The New York Mets entered the 2026 season after a dramatic offseason overhaul following their 2025 campaign. The organization moved on from several longtime franchise figures, including outfielder Brandon Nimmo, first baseman Pete Alonso, and closer Edwin Díaz, hoping a major roster reset would push the team in a new direction.
However, by mid-August, the rebuild has failed to deliver the expected results. The Mets sit at 57-70, buried in last place in the National League East and trailing the rival Atlanta Braves by 17½ games.
Among the team’s biggest offseason additions was veteran infielder Jorge Polanco, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the expectation that he could help replace Alonso’s offensive impact while serving as the team’s designated hitter. Instead, the move has turned into one of the Mets’ biggest disappointments of the season.
Polanco’s disappointing 2026 campaign
Polanco opened the year healthy but struggled immediately at the plate. From Opening Day through April 14, the veteran hitter posted a .179 batting average with just one home run and two RBIs, failing to provide the offensive spark New York hoped for.
His struggles were followed by a right wrist contusion that landed him on the injured list. The recovery process took longer than expected, keeping him sidelined until July 7. After returning, Polanco remained available for several weeks but continued to struggle at the plate.
The Mets announced Wednesday that Polanco will undergo season-ending surgery on his right ankle, ending a frustrating campaign for the veteran slugger.
What it means for the Mets in 2027
Polanco appeared in only 37 games during the 2026 season, finishing with a disappointing .148/.201/.230 slash line, a .431 OPS, two home runs, and six RBIs.
The numbers were a major setback after he enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career with the Seattle Mariners in 2025, a performance that helped earn him his lucrative deal with New York.
Although the Mets have not revealed a specific recovery timeline, Polanco remains under contract through the 2027 season, with the team still owing him $20 million. New York will be hoping he can return healthy and provide the production they expected when they signed him.
If his recovery goes smoothly, Polanco could be ready for Opening Day next season. However, after a disappointing first year in Queens and uncertainty surrounding the Mets’ offseason plans, his role on the 2027 roster is far from guaranteed. The team may explore other options rather than automatically handing him an everyday position.