It's been a rough season for former Twins infielder Jorge Polanco. Well, not for his pockets, as Polanco signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Mets over the winter. But other than that, it's been a struggle for the former Twins fan favorite in 2026.
The Mets placed Polanco on the IL on April 18 with a wrist injury. New York finally activated the infielder on July 7. Unfortunately, Polanco will now miss the rest of the season, as he was placed on the IL with left ankle bursitis on Wednesday and will undergo surgery, according to interim manager Andy Green.
It's a fitting conclusion to an awful season for Polanco. In 37 games with the Mets this year, Polanco slashed .148/.201/.230 with just seven extra-base hits and six RBI over 145 plate appearances.
Polanco served as the Mets' designated hitter in 35 of those 37 games. He played first base in the other two.
Mets, Polanco have had an extremely disappointing 2026 season
It has been a disappointing season not only for Polanco but also for the Mets. New York made drastic roster changes after missing the postseason last year. In addition to the Polanco signing, here are notable moves the organization made over the winter:
- Let first baseman Pete Alonso and closer Edwin DÃaz walk in free agency
- Trade outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Marcus Semien
- Trade second baseman Jeff McNeil to the Athletics
- Trade Luisangel Acuña to the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
- Acquire Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers
- Sign third baseman Bo Bichette (3 years, $126 million)
- Sign right-handed reliever Devin Williams (3 years, $51 million)
- Sign right-handed reliever Luke Weaver (2 years, $22 million)
The Mets have the second-highest payroll in baseball at roughly $361.5 million, according to Spotrac. Only the Los Angeles Dodgers have a higher payroll (roughly $430.4 million).
Despite having one of the highest payrolls in baseball, the Mets are in last place in the National League East with a 58-70 record (.453), trailing the first-place Atlanta Braves by 17 games. The club is 10 games back of the San Diego Padres for the final National League Wild Card spot.
It'll be interesting to see what the Mets do in the offseason. It's doubtful they will move on from Polanco, who represented the Twins in the 2019 All-Star Game, as it's unlikely any team would be willing to take on much of his salary or give the Mets any valuable young players for the veteran. But as far as the rest of their roster goes, there's a strong chance the Mets will have another offseason full of significant changes.
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