Mets sign Jorge Polanco to two-year, $40M deal; expect him to play first base
Seattle Mariners' Jorge Polanco celebrates his game-winning RBI-single in the 15th inning in Game 5 of baseball's American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Credit: AP/Lindsey Wasson
The Mets announced the signing of infielder Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million contract on Tuesday and then handed him a first baseman's glove to replace Pete Alonso.
Polanco, a middle infielder, has one game of first-base experience in his career. But in a statement announcing the signing, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said: "As we stand now, we would anticipate Jorge playing first base, DH, and bouncing around to other positions as needed."
Polanco, 32, hit 26 home runs for Seattle in the 2025 regular season and excelled in the playoffs. The switch hitter slugged a pair of home runs off Tigers ace Tarik Skubal in Game 2 of the ALDS and had a walk-off single in the 15th inning of Game 5. He also had a big three-run home run in Seattle's Game 2 win over Toronto in the ALCS.
Holiday party
The Mets announced that Clay Holmes will appear as Santa Claus at the team's annual holiday party on Thursday at Citi Field. Rookie pitchers Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong will appear as well.
Anthony Rieber covers baseball, as well as the NFL, NBA and NHL. He has worked at Newsday since Aug. 31, 1998, and has been in his current position since July 5, 2004.
