The Seattle Mariners came up short of a World Series appearance last season but still celebrated their first American League West title since 2021. One of the biggest contributors to that success was top veteran, who bounced back in a big way during his 12th MLB season — his second in Seattle.
After a rocky 2024 campaign, the former Minnesota Twin turned things around in 2025, posting a .265/.326/.495 slash line over 138 games. Used primarily as a designated hitter, Polanco finished with the fourth-highest OPS on the team and clubbed 26 home runs, proving he can still be a dangerous bat in the lineup.
His strong season has paid off financially, too. Instead of exercising his $6 million player option, Polanco elected free agency, signaling confidence that he can land a more lucrative deal on the open market. The 2019 All-Star entered 2025 with a career .749 OPS, and this season’s resurgence has likely drawn the attention of multiple teams.
At 32 years old, Polanco may not command a long-term deal — perhaps a two-year contract is his best bet — but his switch-hitting ability and veteran presence make him an appealing target for contending clubs or young rosters looking for experience and offensive consistency. Given his success in Seattle, a reunion can’t be ruled out, though he’s now positioned to explore broader opportunities.
