MLB insider Mark Feinsand connects Twins with old friend and 2025 Silver Slugger finalist Jorge Polanco - who will most likely be a free agent this offseason
MLB insider Mark Feinsand wrote an article titled "Who will drive the free-agent market? Top 30 names to eye," and named the Minnesota Twins as a potential fit for old friend Jorge Polanco, who is expected to decline his $6 million player option to test free agency.
Polanco, who made his MLB debut with the Twins in 2014 and stayed with the organization through the 2023 season, has primarily been a designated hitter and second baseman since becoming a Mariner in 2024. He also served innings at third base and played one game at first base this year. If the Twins sign Polanco, they likely would have him play second or first base, with Luke Keaschall playing the other position, while both serve as the designated hitter plenty of times as well.
Although Byron Buxton and Keaschall have high expectations heading into next year, and multiple top Twins prospects will likely make their MLB debuts soon, the team could still use an offensive boost. Polanco, whom the Twins traded to the Mariners in exchange for pitchers Justin Topa, Anthony DeSclafani and Darren Brown and outfield prospect Gabriel Gonzalez, struggled in his first season with Seattle, slashing .213/.296/.355 (92 OPS+) with 16 home runs in 118 games. Polanco decided to bet on himself after his poor season by re-signing with the Mariners on a one-year contract worth $7.75 million.
Signing a one-year deal paid off for Polanco, as the former Twin infielder arguably had his best season since 2021, hitting .265/.326/.495 (134 OPS+) with 26 homers in 138 games en route to being named an American League (AL) Silver Slugger Award finalist for second basemen, and helping propel Seattle to ALCS Game 7. FanSided revealed this year's AL Silver Slugger finalists earlier today after announcing National League (NL) Silver Slugger Award finalists yesterday. The winners for the NL will be revealed on FanSided's "The Baseball Insiders" YouTube show at 5:00 p.m. CST on Nov. 6, with the AL winners being revealed at the same time on Nov. 7.