David Stearns and the New York Mets achieved their first significant offensive improvement of the offseason. Will Sammon of The Athletic was the first to report that Polanco and the Mets have reached an agreement on a two-year, $40 million contract. The signing follows the Mets’ free agency departure, as Pete Alonso and Edwin DÃaz signed contracts elsewhere this past week.
After a great season in which he hit.265 in 138 games with 26 home runs, 78 RBI, and a.826 OPS, Polanco was most recently a utility player for the Seattle Mariners. He played 34 games at second base, five games at third base, one game at first base, and 87 games as a designated hitter in 2025. A walk-off single in Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers and a crucial three-run home run in Game 2 of the ALCS were two of his many clutch moments during Seattle’s postseason run. The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Mariners in that fiercely contested seven-game series.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Polanco will probably be the Mets’ first baseman or designated hitter in 2026, which would be a big improvement for the franchise. The Mets regularly utilized Jesse Winker as DH during the 2025 season, although he performed below average at a crucial offensive position.
This action probably indicates that Jeff McNeil is moving. In comparison to Polanco, the Mets’ longest-tenured player has comparable defensive versatility, but in terms of his contract, he only offers one excellent offensive tool.
With the lowest Outs Above Average of any active second baseman last season—minus-10—Polanco is not an exceptional defense. However, David Stearns still has options as he continues to reorganize the roster thanks to his versatility.
