The Seattle Mariners wasted no time addressing the first priority of their offseason, signing Josh Naylor to a five-year deal.
With that settled, their next focus seems to be re-signing Jorge Polanco, the versatile, switch-hitting infielder who is also a free agent. According to MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer, Polanco could be looking for a two-year, $24 million contract, and the Mariners have already been in discussions with him.
“Polo is a great guy, and we have been in touch with him and his representatives,” Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto told reporters.
The process may take a bit longer than Naylor’s deal. “I don’t imagine it’s going to move as quickly as it did with Josh. Free agency is rewarding—it gives players a chance to explore their options,” Dipoto said.
Polanco contributed 26 home runs during the regular season and had a hot stretch in late summer where he seemed unstoppable at the plate.
If he’s interested in returning, the Mariners appear eager to bring him back. “The players who come here, the comfort they feel, the environment—they appreciate that,” Dipoto said. “I can’t speak for Jorge, but I think his experience was similar to Josh’s.”