The New York Yankees should strongly pursue All-Star utility man Jorge Polanco this offseason. His blend of switch-hitting power and crucial defensive versatility makes him an ideal candidate to fill the Yankees’ most immediate offensive need: third base.
The argument for signing Polanco is immediately strengthened by the fact that he is officially a free agent, having declined his $\$6$ million player option with the Seattle Mariners on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Polanco’s Value Proposition for the Yankees
Polanco, who is 32, is attractive to the Yankees because he aligns perfectly with the organization’s stated preference for versatility and for adding “professional hitters” who can perform against high-level pitching.
| Jorge Polanco 2025 Season Stats | Value | Key Attributes for Yankees |
| Slash Line | .265/.326/.495 | Strong offensive production, especially slugging. |
| Home Runs | 26 | Significant power boost to the lineup. |
| Doubles | 30 | Adds extra-base hit production. |
| OPS | .821 | Well above the league average. |
| Switch-Hitter | Yes | Provides lineup balance and maximizes potential in Yankee Stadium. |
The ability to switch-hit is a major plus for the Yankees, allowing him to take advantage of the short porch in right field when batting left-handed.
Filling the Third Base Void
While Polanco can play multiple positions (2B, SS, 3B, LF), his primary and most impactful role for New York would be at third base.
- Third Base Need: The Yankees’ trade deadline acquisition, Ryan McMahon, did not perform as hoped, leaving a significant hole at the hot corner. Furthermore, the depth chart is currently thin, with the versatile Oswaldo Cabrera expected to be out until at least February 2026 due to an ankle injury.
- Middle Infield: The middle infield is set with Anthony Volpe at shortstop (though he may start 2026 on the IL) and Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base.
- Left Field: Left field is a potential spot, but the Yankees are looking to integrate young hitters like Jasson Dominguez and are reportedly prioritizing re-signing Cody Bellinger (who played four positions, including center field, in 2025) for a full-time role.
The most pressing need is a stable, everyday hitter at third base, a role Polanco would likely inherit. Though his defense is not considered “plus” at any spot, his offensive contribution at an OPS of $.821$ easily justifies taking the spot from an underperforming player.
Immediate Action:
The Yankees should immediately engage with Polanco’s representatives. Although the Mariners were reportedly interested in a reunion, Polanco’s decision to decline his option and seek a better deal makes him highly motivated to test the open market, and the Yankees represent an ideal landing spot where his skills fill a crucial gap.
Would you like me to look into the current free agent market for third basemen to see what other options the Yankees might have if they miss out on Polanco?
