The Yankees’ Quest for Infield Help: Can Jorge Polanco Fill the Void?
The New York Yankees have made significant moves this offseason, adding a closer, frontline starting pitcher, outfielder, and first baseman to their roster. However, there is still work to be done, particularly in the infield. With Gleyber Torres signing with the Tigers, the Yankees are in need of a replacement. One potential target is Jorge Polanco, a 31-year-old infielder who has played for the Twins and Mariners.
Polanco has experience at shortstop and third base, but has primarily played corner infield in recent seasons. The Yankees are reportedly interested in signing him to play second or third base, with little jazz chisholm manning the remaining spots. Considering Polanco’s limited experience at third base, it seems likely that he will play second base.
Polanco is a rebound candidate in 2025, having struggled in 2024. In 336 games, he hit 63 home runs, had an OPS of.796, and a wRC+ of 120. However, his power bat disappeared in 2024, and his defense has also taken a step back. His DRS was -1, OAA was -10, FRV was -8, and DRP was -3.7. He also played with a right hamstring injury in May and June, and sat out most of the season with a left knee injury.
Despite his struggles, Polanco is expected to be ready for spring training after undergoing knee surgery in the offseason. He may be able to bounce back and play like his old self. In fact, ESPN’s Jeff Passan noted that the injury had a significant impact on Polanco’s performance as a left-handed hitter, which is a key part of his game.
While Polanco may not offer the same level of excitement as Torres, he could potentially replace the offensive production the Yankees will miss from their former infielder. In 154 games, Torres had a.709 OPS and a 104 wRC+. Polanco’s numbers in 2023 and 2024 are almost exactly in the middle of what he will produce, making him a viable option for the Yankees.
FAQ:
Q: Why is the Yankees interested in signing Jorge Polanco?
A: The Yankees are interested in signing Polanco to play second or third base, with little jazz chisholm manning the remaining spots.
Q: What is Polanco’s experience at third base?
A: Polanco has limited experience at third base, having played only 24 games at the position.
Q: Why is Polanco a rebound candidate in 2025?
A: Polanco struggled in 2024, but is expected to be healthy and ready for spring training after undergoing knee surgery in the offseason.
Q: Can Polanco replace the offensive production of Gleyber Torres?
A: While Polanco may not offer the same level of excitement as Torres, he could potentially replace the offensive production the Yankees will miss from their former infielder.
Conclusion:
The Yankees have made significant moves this offseason, but still have work to do in the infield. Jorge Polanco is a potential target, having played for the Twins and Mariners. While he struggled in 2024, he is a rebound candidate in 2025 and could potentially replace the offensive production the Yankees will miss from Gleyber Torres. The Yankees will be hoping that a healthier Polanco can play like his old self and help the team make up for their losses.
