Jorge Polanco is not the star he was during his peak years with the Minnesota Twins, but he remains a strong complementary piece — especially for clubs seeking switch-hitting stability and a veteran presence, as he did for the Seattle Mariners in 2025.
Polanco enters the 2025–26 offseason as one of the more intriguing infield bats on the market: a switch-hitter with playoff experience, defensive versatility (2B/3B), and a track record of above-average production when healthy.
Here are three believable landing spots for Jorge Polanco, why each fit makes sense, and realistic contract structures based on his age, recent performance, and positional versatility.
Three Possible Landing Spots for Jorge Polanco
1) Seattle Mariners — A Reunion That Solves Multiple Needs
Why It Makes Sense
Seattle traded for Polanco once already, and the fit still exists. They need more dependable infield offense, especially from the left side, and they value switch-hitters who can lengthen the lineup. Polanco also fits Seattle’s preference for players who can move around the infield, giving them coverage at both second and third base. If they miss on top-tier infield targets, a Polanco reunion becomes a practical fallback that doesn’t break the bank.
Contract Projection
2 years, $24–30 million with a vesting option for Year 3
Rationale
Polanco’s market value likely sits in the $8–11 million per year range, given his age and injury history. Seattle could offer short-term security and a familiar environment while retaining flexibility. A vesting option tied to plate appearances protects them if durability becomes an issue.
The Jorge Polanco sweepstakes have heated up a ton this week, with reports that he’s asking for 3-4 years and north of $15 mil AAV
Is it time for the Mariners to be rational about this?
Or is it time to be aggressive and get this done? pic.twitter.com/CNr6Se8V1C
— Marine Layer Podcast (@MarineLayerPod) December 11, 2025
2) Chicago Cubs — A Switch-Hitting Plug-and-Play Infielder
Why It Makes Sense
The Cubs have been aggressively reshaping their roster and could use a switch-hitting veteran to stabilize the middle of the infield as their younger players continue to develop. Polanco fits as a second baseman, third baseman, or even a short-term DH. Chicago’s lineup has swung heavily right-handed at times, making Polanco’s left-side production valuable. He profiles as the type of steady, professional hitter who allows the Cubs to lengthen the lineup without a massive long-term commitment.
Contract Projection
3 years, $33 million
Rationale
The Cubs can offer more guaranteed money than most mid-market teams, especially for someone who would hold down a starting spot immediately. A three-year deal is long enough to outbid rivals while still short enough that Chicago doesn’t risk being stuck with a declining long-term contract.
3) San Francisco Giants — Perfect Fit for Their “Versatile Veteran” Template
Why It Makes Sense
Few teams value lineup flexibility like the Giants, and Polanco checks every box: switch-hitter, experience at multiple infield spots, and playoff-tested. San Francisco struggled to get consistent production from second and third base last season. Polanco gives them a reliable bat who can hit anywhere from second to sixth in the order. The Giants also tend to target veteran infielders to complement their young core — and Polanco’s contact profile fits Oracle Park well.
Contract Projection
1 year, $14 million with incentives + a mutual option for Year 2
Rationale
San Francisco often prefers short, incentive-heavy deals for players with injury risk. Polanco’s profile fits that exact approach. A mutual option gives both sides flexibility: Polanco can test the market again if he bounces back, and the Giants can retain him at a slightly higher salary if he thrives.
The Last Word
Polanco won’t command star-level money, but he’s precisely the kind of undervalued veteran teams love: a switch-hitter who brings stability, experience, and versatility. Expect him to land somewhere on a short-to-medium deal with an AAV between $11–15 million, with incentives or vesting options tied to playing time. His market will likely be driven by teams who prioritize lineup balance and infield depth — putting clubs like Seattle, Chicago, and San Francisco squarely in play.
Main Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The post Three Landing Spots for Jorge Polanco appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.