New York Mets replace Pete Alonso with former Minnesota Twins fan favorite

Mets agree to two-year deal with former Twin Jorge Polanco after Pete Alonso signs with Orioles

The New York Mets and Jorge Polanco have agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan and The Athletic’s Will Sammon. He is expected to mainly serve as a first baseman and designated hitter, as long-time Met Pete Alonso recently agreed to a five-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles. Polanco could also play third or second base for New York when needed.

Polanco made his MLB debut with the Twins at the age of 20 in 2014. He remained with Minnesota through the 2023 season before being traded to the Mariners for right-handed pitchers Justin Topa, Anthony DeSclafani and Darren Bowen and highly-regarded outfield prospect Gabriel Gonzalez.

Polanco played in just five games with the Twins in 2014, then played in just four in 2015. Then, the infielder played in 69 games in 2016 before becoming a full-time starter in 2017, playing in 133 games that season. He began his MLB career as a shortstop before later converting to a second baseman.

As a Twin, Polanco posted 16.8 bWAR and a .269/.334/.446 (111 OPS+) slash line with 112 home runs and 447 RBI over 3,529 plate appearances. In 2019, he made the American League All-Star team and finished 13th in American League MVP voting.

After being dealt to the Mariners, Polanco struggled significantly. He played in 118 games with Seattle in 2024, posting 1.3 bWAR and a lowly .213/.296/.355 (92 OPS+) slash line. The Mariners then re-signed Polanco to a one-year, $7.75 million contract, allowing them to have a cheap, established second baseman while Polanco tried to prove he is worth a multi-year contract, which he certainly did.

Polanco had an outstanding 2025 season for Seattle. In 138 games, the former Twins second baseman posted 2.6 bWAR and slashed .265/.326/.495 (134 OPS+) with 26 homers and 78 RBI. Then, he became a postseason hero for Seattle,

In Game 2 of the 2025 ALDS against the Detroit Tigers, Polanco hit two homers off back-to-back AL CY Young Award winner Tarik Skubal to give the Mariners a 3-2 win. Then, in Game 5 of the series, Polanco hit a walk-off single in the 15th inning to send the Mariners to the ALCS to compete against the Toronto Blue Jays.