The Seattle Mariners have secured a key piece of their 2025 infield by signing veteran infielder Jorge Polanco to a one-year, $7.75 million contract. The move comes as the Mariners continue to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season, with Polanco’s versatility providing both depth and experience to a team that is looking to build on a promising 2024 campaign.
Polanco, 31, has established himself as a reliable presence on the field over his 11-year MLB career. Most notably known for his time with the Minnesota Twins, where he was an All-Star in 2019, Polanco has showcased his ability to play second base, shortstop, and third base. His ability to cover multiple infield positions was a key selling point for the Mariners as they look to bolster their defense and infield depth.
The contract is structured with a base salary of $7 million for the 2025 season, but with the potential for further earnings based on performance. The deal includes a conditional player option for the 2026 season worth $6 million, which can increase to $8 million if Polanco achieves 550 plate appearances in 2025. If Polanco plays in 450 or more games without suffering a lower-body injury that would sideline him for the start of 2026, the option would become a player’s choice.
In addition to the player option, Polanco’s contract includes various performance bonuses based on plate appearances. He can earn up to $3.5 million in performance-based incentives, with bonuses at thresholds of 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, and 600 plate appearances. This performance-based structure indicates that Polanco’s role in the lineup could increase depending on his health and production in 2025.
While Polanco’s 2024 season was disappointing by his standards, he remains a player with a solid track record. In 118 games, he hit a career-low .213 with 16 home runs and 45 RBIs. Polanco did miss time in the season due to a hamstring injury, but he still showcased flashes of the power that made him a strong offensive contributor in previous years.
Despite his down season, Polanco’s career numbers are impressive. Over his 11-year career, he holds a .263 batting average with 128 home runs and 492 RBIs. His versatility and ability to play multiple infield positions make him an attractive asset for the Mariners, who are hoping his performance in 2025 will be closer to his All-Star form.
Polanco’s trade to Seattle earlier in 2024 came after the Twins exercised a $10.5 million option on him for the 2024 season. The Mariners acquired him in a trade that involved sending pitchers Anthony DeSclafani and Justin Topa, along with minor league players Gabriel Gonzalez and Darren Brown. In addition, Minnesota agreed to send $8 million to Seattle as part of the deal.
The Mariners had initially declined a $12 million option for Polanco in 2025, choosing instead to offer him a smaller, incentive-laden deal. This move has allowed Seattle to hedge their bet on Polanco’s performance, while still retaining the ability to bring back a player with proven experience and potential.
Seattle’s decision to bring Polanco into the fold makes sense given the team’s need for a seasoned, reliable bat in the infield. While younger talent such as Julio Rodríguez and Ty France have emerged as offensive leaders, the Mariners are looking for depth and balance across the roster. Polanco could help provide that depth while contributing offensively, especially against left-handed pitchers.
The Mariners have been active in seeking to improve their roster this offseason, making several key moves in free agency and trades. Polanco’s addition to the lineup gives the team a solid veteran presence, with the potential for him to contribute both offensively and defensively, assuming he can stay healthy and regain his previous form.
For Polanco, 2025 represents a chance for redemption. After an up-and-down 2024 season, he is looking to prove that he can still be a key contributor at the major league level. With a team like the Mariners offering him a one-year deal with performance incentives, Polanco has the chance to prove he’s still capable of playing at a high level and potentially setting himself up for a longer-term contract in the future.
As the Mariners continue to solidify their roster, all eyes will be on Polanco in 2025. Will he be able to bounce back from a tough 2024 season and return to his All-Star form? With the added incentive of the player option for 2026 and performance bonuses, Polanco will have plenty of motivation to prove his worth to the Mariners and the rest of the league.