Mariners undergo a reboot with Jorge Polanco in Seattle

Despite some recent speculation about a reunion between the Mariners and Jorge Polanco, there is still some surprise it came to fruition.

The indication was the Seattle Mariners still had another major roster move to make, but it has ended up being one that has surprised plenty of people. As per a report from Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Jorge Polano is heading back to the Pacific Northwest.

The deal is for one year pending a physical, with a vesting/player option for the 2026 season. Polanco will make a guaranteed $7.75 million, with an additional $3.5 million available in bonuses; the Mariners had previously declined a club option of $12 million for the 2025 season.

Understandably, there are plenty of questions from the local sports media and fans alike, trying to work out why the Mariners have brought back a player who struggled so much last season in his first year in Seattle. Polanco set several career-worsts in 2024, including a .213 batting average, .296 OPB, .651 OPS and 29.2 strikeout rate.

Polanco’s situation is not unique

In fairness to the 31-year-old, plenty of players struggle when it comes to adjusting to T-Mobile Park, with it renowned as the most pitcher-friendly ball park in the Majors. In addition, he did have to contend with injuries all season, which resulted in offseason surgery to repair the patellar tendon in his left knee.

The Mariners are clearly hoping Polanco can get back closer to the player who has a career .263/.330/.435 slash line and .765 OPS. Having a full season under Dan Wilson and Edgar Martinez combined with having his knee repaired, at least gives the 2019 MLB All-Star a chance.

Aside from wanting to find out if Polanco’s bat will recover, Mariners fans will also get to see him at a new defensive position in 2025. That’s because he is going to be moved from second to third base, where he has played a total of 24 games — including 20 starts — during his 11 years in the Majors.

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Mariners have one infield question remaining

As much as there may be concern from some about Polanco playing regularly at a new position, it actually makes a lot of sense when considering his age and previous injury issues. However, it does now mean the Mariners have a decision to make a second base.

However, don’t expect the situation to be resolved via another major move. Instead, expect a platoon situation of sorts with Dylan Moore and Ryan Bliss, with the possibility of Leo Rivas also being involved. (Cole Young is also expected to make his Major League debut at some point in 2025.)

Overall, we can objectively appreciate why plenty of fans are frustrated by the decision to bring Polanco back, just because of how he struggled last season. However, aside from the front office having to deal with reported financial constraints, we predict he will be better this coming season, as long as his health issues are truly behind him.

What do you think about the reunion between Polanco and the Mariners? How confident are you that he will do better compared to his first season in Seattle? Let us know in the comments section below.