There is no team that Minnesota Twins fans can’t stand more than the New York Yankees. While the Yankees remain active spending money in free agency, specifically signing Paul Goldschmidt, the Twins remained conservative and focused on internal options. This week, the Yankees were interested in former Twins All-Star Luis Arráez, which is a gloomy thought for Twins fans.
Well, you can add another former Twins All-Star the Yankees have looked into.
According to Leo Morgenstern of MLB Trade Rumors on Wednesday, the Yankees looked into possibly signing 2019 All-Star Jorge Polanco. The Yankees let Gleyber Torres go to AL Central rival Detroit and have looked into other infield options, such as Arraez and Colorado’s Brendan Rodgers. It is smart for the Yankees to reach out to available free agent infielders, but for Twins fans, it would be a sight for sore eyes.
Polanco was a fan favorite during his ten-year career in Minnesota, where he hit .269/.334/.446 with a 111 OPS+. Three years removed from a 103-loss season, the Twins won 101 games in Rocco Baldelli’s first season with the Twins. Leading the charge was Polanco, who was the Twins’ only starter in the 2019 All-Star game.
It was around this time last month Polanco was traded to the Seattle Mariners for Anthony DeSclafani, Justin Topa, minor leaguers Darren Bowen and Gabriel Gonzales, and cash considerations. While Polanco endured a below-average season in Seattle, DeSclafanimissed all of 2024 with a forearm injury. Topa, considered the centerpiece of the trade, did not make his debut until September.
This offseason has proven, once again, to be a slog for Minnesota Twins fans. The front office, no doubt influenced by the upcoming ownership changes, has not made any substantial signings or trades to move the needle toward playoff contention. The lack of spending or trades has created a state of apathy going into the 2025 season.
While Polanco will always have a special place in the hearts of Twins fans, it would be hard to stomach Polanco in Bronx pinstripes next season. Seeing Polanco, and potentially Arráez with the Yankees could make for a long summer.