Jorge Polanco is headed to Queens. I can confirm the New York Mets have reached a two year, 40 million dollar agreement with the veteran infielder, effective today, December 13, 2025. The surprise is not the money. It is the plan. The Mets will use Polanco at first base and as a designated hitter, even though he has never played first in the pros.
The deal and the plan
This is the largest guarantee of Polanco’s career. He turns 33 next season and arrives off a career year. He hit .265 with 26 homers and an .821 OPS in 2025, good for a 134 OPS+. That is impact production, and the Mets need it.
The role is bold. Polanco has built his career in the middle infield. First base is a different world, with new footwork and new reads. The Mets are betting his hands, instincts, and calm bat will travel across the diamond.
[IMAGE_1]
New York has holes to fill after Pete Alonso left in free agency and Edwin Díaz departed from the bullpen. The front office chose a bat first path at first base. That tells you how they want to score runs in 2026.
Polanco will be deployed mainly at first base and at DH, a brand new defensive assignment for him.
Why the Mets are betting big
Polanco’s 2025 was not a blip. He managed the zone and lifted the ball to his pull side with authority. He also brings switch hitting balance, which gives the lineup flexibility. At Citi Field, his line drive swing should still play. The park rewards hitters who control at bats and lag the barrel through the zone. That is Polanco.
This is a calculated gamble, not a reckless one. Two years at 40 million pays for a middle of the order bat, not a gold glove. The contract length limits the risk if first base proves too steep.
- Upside, a switch hitter with 25 homer power stabilizes the heart of the order.
- Risk, first base defense could cost outs if the transition stalls.
- Upside, DH reps can keep his bat in the lineup even during the learning curve.
- Risk, replacing Alonso’s glove and power with one player is a tall task.
Can he handle first base
The move is realistic if the work is honest. First base is about angles, feet, and trust. Short hops. Errant throws. Back picks. Holding runners and starting the 3-6-3. Polanco’s soft hands should help with scoops. The challenge will be traffic at the bag and double play timing from a new vantage point.
Expect a heavy spring training focus on reps. Early morning work on pivots. Machine fed short hops. Live infield drills to sharpen footwork around the base. The Mets can also smooth the load by pairing him with a steady second baseman and a strong throwing third baseman.
[IMAGE_2]
Keeping him out of the grind of the middle infield could protect his body. More DH days also guard against wear. If the bat stays hot, the defense only needs to be passable.
Look for New York to mix in late inning defensive replacements while Polanco settles in at first.
What it means for the lineup and clubhouse
This signing resets the Mets’ run scoring plan. Polanco can hit third or fifth, depending on matchups. He lengthens the lineup, which helps the stars see better pitches. He also frees the manager to rotate rest days through DH without punting offense.
In the clubhouse, Polanco brings 10 plus years of experience from Minnesota and Seattle. He has seen pennant races and pressure. The Mets need steady voices after a turbulent offseason. He fits that need as well as the box score need.
The broader picture is clear. New York is not replacing Alonso with a clone. They are spreading his value across multiple pieces. Polanco’s bat is a key piece, and the price reflects that faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Jorge Polanco’s contract with the Mets?
A: Two years for 40 million dollars, fully guaranteed.
Q: What position will he play?
A: He will play mostly first base and designated hitter.
Q: Has Polanco played first base before?
A: No. He has not played first base in the majors or minors.
Q: Why move him to first now?
A: The Mets need offense at first after losing Pete Alonso. Polanco’s bat is coming off a career year.
Q: When will he start working at first base?
A: Immediately. Expect heavy first base reps throughout spring training.
Polanco to the Mets is a gutsy, targeted strike. The bat fits the city, and the price fits the moment. If the glove catches up, this gamble could steady a wobbly winter and put real juice back into the Mets order.
