The Yankees have crammed most of their largest holes this winter, including a better (Devin Williams), a frontline beginning pitcher (Max Fried), an outfielder (Cody Bellinger), and a primary baseman (Paul Goldschmidt). Nonetheless, basic supervisor Brian Cashman nonetheless has work to do. For one factor, New York may use a alternative for long-time center infield stalwart Gleyber Torres, who signed with the Tigers in December. Notably, the Yankees didn’t make an effort to re-sign Torres after he turned a free agent. Nonetheless, they’ve been linked to numerous different infielders this offseason, together with free agent Brendan Rodgers and commerce candidate Luis Arraez. Most lately, Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Put up recognized Jorge Polanco as one other potential goal. The Yankees have reportedly “checked in” on Polanco, who’s a free agent for the primary time in his profession.
After spending the primary 10 seasons of his large league tenure with the Twins, Polanco suited up for the Mariners in 2024. He performed all of his defensive innings at second base. The 31-year-old was as soon as a shortstop and has some expertise at third base, however the keystone has been his main house for the previous 4 seasons. Presumably, that’s the place the Yankees could be occupied with having him play. Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s flexibility permits New York to pursue an improve at both second or third base, with Chisholm overlaying whichever place is left. Contemplating Polanco’s restricted expertise on the scorching nook (24 video games, 180.0 innings), it will appear to take advantage of sense to maintain Chisholm at third.
Whichever workforce finally indicators Polanco can be betting on him as a bounce-back candidate for 2025. From 2021-23, the switch-hitter was one of many higher offensive second basemen within the recreation. Over 336 video games, he hit 63 house runs with a .796 OPS and a 120 wRC+. His wRC+ was not less than 19% higher than the typical second baseman’s in all three seasons. Nonetheless, Polanco’s robust bat disappeared in 2024. His .651 OPS and 92 wRC+ have been under common, even contemplating the decrease offensive requirements at second base. To make issues worse, his protection – which has by no means been his robust go well with – was worse than ever. With -1 DRS, -10 OAA, -8 FRV, and -3.7 DRP, he both tied or sunk beneath his profession lows in all 4 metrics.
For what it’s value, Polanco hung out on the IL with a proper hamstring damage in Might and June and reportedly performed by way of a left knee damage for a lot of the season. He had surgical procedure on his knee this offseason and is anticipated to be prepared for spring coaching. Maybe a more healthy Polanco will be capable to hit extra like his outdated self. To that time, ESPN’s Jeff Passan prompt the damage had a specific impact on the switch-hitter’s efficiency as a lefty batter. Polanco’s 94 wRC+ as a righty batter in 2024 was proper in step with his profession common of 95. On the flip aspect, his 91 wRC+ as a lefty batter in 2024 was considerably worse than his profession 115 wRC+ from the left aspect.
Even at full power, Polanco doesn’t supply fairly as a lot upside as Torres. Nonetheless, it’s not far-fetched to assume Polanco may exchange the offensive manufacturing the Yankees received out of Torres in 2024. This previous season was additionally a down yr for the youthful infielder. Over 154 video games, he hit for a .709 OPS and 104 wRC+. Funnily sufficient, these numbers are virtually proper in the course of what Polanco produced in 2023 and ’24. He won’t be essentially the most thrilling infielder the Bronx Bombers have been linked to this winter, but when the veteran can cut up the distinction between his previous two seasons, he’ll assist the Yankees make up for what they misplaced.
