In a turn that has left MLB analysts and fans alike wondering about his next move, free agent second baseman Jorge Polanco faces an uncertain market after undergoing surgery on his left knee’s patellar tendon. This procedure, performed in the aftermath of a difficult 2024 season, has put the 31-year-old’s potential return and market value in question as he seeks a new team. Polanco’s agent, Ulises Cabrera of Octagon, informed MLB.com’s Jon Morosi that Polanco is anticipated to be ready for full baseball activity by January. Still, any setbacks could further complicate his outlook as teams start making crucial roster decisions.
This challenging season for Polanco saw Seattle decline his $12 million option, opting instead for a $750,000 buyout. The Mariners had acquired him from the Minnesota Twins in a trade that, on paper, looked promising for both sides. The Twins, facing budget constraints and a crowded infield, dealt Polanco in exchange for reliever Justin Topa, rotation hopeful Anthony DeSclafani, and two prospects. Unfortunately, both Polanco and the Mariners felt the sting of a rough season, with Polanco struggling at the plate and Topa and DeSclafani sidelined by injuries.
A staple of the Twins’ infield from 2018 to 2023, Polanco’s 2024 season was a steep drop-off from his established performance. After a late 2023 comeback from a knee injury, he finished that season strong, posting a .258/.361/.456 line post-All-Star break. But this past season, he hit career lows, batting .213/.298/.355 as the Mariners’ primary second baseman.
The knee troubles have left Polanco in a precarious position. Historically, MLB’s free agent market has not been kind to second basemen, and for a player coming off surgery, a multi-year deal seems out of reach. It’s likely Polanco will seek a one-year, incentive-heavy contract as teams assess his ability to stay on the field. Yet Polanco’s history—especially his All-Star 2019 season and 33-homer showing in 2021—could still make him an appealing low-cost, high-upside option for clubs needing infield depth.
For Polanco, the next few months are critical. Teams might prefer to see him participate in baseball activities in January before committing to any deal. But with a clean bill of health, the switch-hitter could still offer value as a steady second baseman with power potential, making him an intriguing prospect for clubs looking to bolster their infield on a budget. Whether Polanco can make a return to form in 2025 may depend on how quickly he rebounds from this latest injury and proves his staying power.
