Where would the Seattle Mariners have been in 2025 without Jorge Polanco?
It’s hard to imagine they would’ve captured a division title, secured a playoff berth, or made the deepest postseason run in franchise history without him.
After a disappointing debut season in Seattle, a revitalized Polanco turned in one of the finest campaigns of his career, becoming a key piece of the Mariners’ success in 2025.
The 32-year-old switch-hitter posted a .265 average with a .495 slugging percentage, .821 OPS, 26 home runs, 30 doubles, and 78 RBIs across 138 games—his best marks since 2021. Even more impressive, he slashed his strikeout rate nearly in half, from a career-worst 29.2% the previous year to just 15.6% this season.
Polanco’s impact carried into October, where he delivered some of the most memorable moments in team history. In Game 2 of the ALDS, he blasted two solo shots off Detroit Tigers ace and reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.
Then in Game 5, his 15th-inning walk-off single sent Seattle to its first ALCS appearance in 24 years. He added another clutch swing in Game 2 of the ALCS, launching a go-ahead three-run homer that sealed the win.
Now, the Mariners face a major offseason decision: will Polanco return in 2026?
According to Spotrac, he holds an $8 million player option for next season, but all signs point to him declining it and entering free agency. After such a strong year, Polanco is likely to seek a more lucrative, multi-year deal—possibly his last big contract as he approaches age 33.
If he does test the market, the Mariners’ response could define their offseason. Should they open the checkbook to keep him, or let him walk and allocate those resources elsewhere? Here’s a breakdown of both sides of the argument.
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