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Mets Ease Jorge Polanco Into First Base After $40 Million Signing Draws ‘Bust’ Concerns

Spring usage reflects caution over his durability.

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 16: Jorge Polanco #11 of the New York Mets fields a ball during spring training workouts at Clover Park on February 16, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Feb 12, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Jorge Polanco (11) takes infield practice during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • New York signed Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal to play first base as the club moves on from Pete Alonso.
  • Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly labeled Polanco a potential bust, citing health risk and an untested move to first base with virtually no MLB time there.
  • Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Polanco will open camp with back-field work and live at-bats before appearing in spring games.
  • Availability looms as the key risk after Polanco appeared in 302 of 486 games from 2021 to 2023 due to recurring lower-body and soft-tissue issues.
  • The switch comes after a strong 2025 with Seattle (26 home runs, .821 OPS), with Mark Vientos identified as a fallback if Polanco struggles or misses time.