The New York Mets signed Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal Saturday morning, adding the versatile switch-hitting infielder from Seattle to their revamped roster.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the signing, noting that Polanco’s expected to play first base and designated hitter rather than his usual second base spot.
It’s a solid pickup. Polanco’s coming off his best season in four years and gives the Mets flexibility they’ve been lacking.
But here’s where it gets interesting.
The move doesn’t necessarily clear up the trade rumors swirling around Jeff McNeil and Mark Vientos. If anything, it might complicate things.
With Pete Alonso gone, the Mets had an obvious hole at first base. Polanco fills part of that gap, but he’s not exactly a natural there. The 31-year-old has spent most of his career at second base, though he’s shown he can handle multiple positions.
That versatility is exactly why this signing opens up more possibilities than it closes off.
McNeil’s situation hasn’t changed much since Polanco isn’t taking over second base. But Vientos? That’s a different story. With Polanco expected to see time at both first and DH, Vientos might be looking at a reduced role – or a ticket out of town.
The way I see it, the Mets are still in add mode rather than subtract mode. They’re building depth and creating options rather than making the hard choices about their current roster.
All things considered, Polanco’s signing gives the front office more flexibility to make moves down the line. Because he can play different spots, it leaves multiple avenues open for potential trades.
The real question is whether this is the beginning of a bigger reshuffling or just smart depth building. Time will tell.
