Jorge Polanco Sends a Message to Mariners Fans as He Moves On
Jorge Polanco won’t be returning to the Seattle Mariners next season, but he didn’t part without leaving a heartfelt note for the club and its supporters after his signing with the New York Mets was finalized on Tuesday.
What could lie ahead for Seattle’s offseason has been a talking point, with insider perspectives weighing potential paths for the club (Morosi’s breakdown here).
Polanco agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract with the Mets and took to Instagram to share his gratitude:
Godfirst. Words fail to express how grateful my family and I are for the belief you showed in me. You pursued me in a trade, then signed me when many doubted me after surgery. You made us feel valued and supported, and I will forever be grateful for that. I became a better player and a better person because of you. You welcomed my wife, kids, and me as one of your own… again, I will always be grateful for that. You inspired me every night, and I wish we could have delivered the trophy you deserve. I’ll always treasure my time with you… these last two years won’t be forgotten.
YOU stands for Seattle Fans, Teammates, Trainers, Coaching Staff, Front Office, and Owner.
I’ll always smile when I think of YOU all.
Tridents UP!
Polanco’s path wasn't free of hurdles. A knee issue limited him, and his first Mariners season in 2024 was disappointing after being acquired in a trade that sent four players to Minnesota. He rejoined Seattle on a one-year deal ahead of 2025 and delivered a resurgence, helping the club win its first American League West title and reach an AL Championship Series since 2001.
After posting what was a career-worst .213 average with a 29.2% strikeout rate in 2024, the 32-year-old second baseman and designated hitter bounced back in 2025. He hit .265 with an .821 OPS, produced 30 doubles, 26 home runs, and 78 RBIs over 138 games, and his strikeout rate plummeted to 15.6%—the largest year-to-year drop in MLB history for a player with at least 450 plate appearances, per MLB.com’s Mike Petriello.
Polanco proved clutch all season. He led the league with a 1.284 OPS and a 259 wRC+ in high-leverage situations, and his .438 batting average in those moments ranked second in the majors.
His postseason performances mirrored that clutch. He homered twice off Tarik Skubal in Game 2 of the ALDS and delivered a pivotal walk-off single in the 15th inning of Game 5 to clinch the series for Seattle. He also belted the go-ahead three-run homer in Seattle’s Game 2 win in the ALCS.
Polanco would have triggered a $6 million player option for 2026 after reaching 450 plate appearances, but he declined it to become a free agent. Seattle had targeted him as a key offseason move before he signed with the Mets.
More Mariners offseason coverage:
- Donovan or Marte? Evaluating Seattle’s 2B trade options
- Mariners sign a backup catcher to a one-year deal
- Mariners reportedly a front-runner for Cardinals’ Donovan
- Drayer: How Polanco’s departure shapes Seattle’s offseason
- Could Nolan Arenado fit as a Mariners trade target
Follow @ZacHereth for more updates
