The Seattle Mariners wasted little time making their first major move of the offseason, quickly securing Josh Naylor on a five-year contract to strengthen their roster and add stability to the lineup. That decisive action allowed the front office to turn its attention almost immediately to the next potential priority on its list, which is bringing back Jorge Polanco.
Polanco, a highly versatile infielder and a natural switch hitter, is also currently on the open market as a free agent. His ability to contribute both at the plate and in the field has not gone unnoticed, and his name has quickly surfaced in discussions about Seattle’s next possible move. According to MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer, Polanco could be targeting a contract in the neighborhood of two years and approximately $24 million, a figure that reflects both his recent performance and his overall value on the market.
While nothing has been finalized and negotiations appear to still be in the early stages, there has already been communication between Polanco’s camp and the Mariners’ organization. Team president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto acknowledged that discussions have taken place, confirming that the franchise has remained in touch with the veteran infielder and his representatives. Dipoto spoke highly of Polanco as both a player and a person, emphasizing that the relationship between the two sides remains positive and open.
“Polo is a great guy, and we have been in touch with him and his people,” Dipoto explained to reporters, making it clear that the connection has stayed intact and that Seattle is genuinely interested in exploring a potential reunion.
However, unlike the swift process that led to the signing of Josh Naylor, the situation with Polanco may take more time to develop. Dipoto suggested that the timeline for a deal is unlikely to move at the same rapid pace, acknowledging that free agency presents players with an opportunity to explore their options and fully understand their value around the league. He noted that reaching this stage of a career is meaningful for players, as it allows them to feel appreciated and to see what kind of interest exists beyond their current organization.
“I don’t imagine that it’s going to move as fast as it moved with Josh,” Dipoto admitted. “To get to free agency, it’s rewarding. To go out and be loved, it’s not a bad thing when you get a chance to see what’s behind the other door.”
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Those comments reflect a level of respect for Polanco’s journey and his right to explore what the rest of baseball may present to him. Unlike the Naylor signing, which came together quickly and decisively, Polanco’s situation could involve a longer, more deliberate process as he gauges interest from other teams and weighs his options. Still, the connection with Seattle remains strong and meaningful, signaling that the Mariners are willing to stay in the conversation for as long as it takes.
On the field, Polanco delivered significant offensive production during the regular season while wearing a Mariners uniform. He finished the year with 26 home runs, a notable power output that helped bolster the lineup. Beyond just his home run total, Polanco also experienced a particularly impressive stretch during the later portion of the summer, when he seemed locked in at the plate and consistently drove the ball into the gaps for extra bases. For a time, it appeared he simply couldn’t stop hitting doubles, further showcasing his ability to impact the game with consistent, quality contact.
His offensive surge made him a valuable piece of the team’s attack and a key contributor to Seattle’s success. That stretch of productivity likely only strengthened the Mariners’ interest in retaining him, as his presence adds balance, depth, and versatility to their infield while providing another reliable bat in the middle of the order.
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If Polanco enjoyed his time in Seattle, there is strong evidence that the feeling is mutual. The Mariners organization has clearly taken notice of the way players react to the environment, the clubhouse atmosphere, and the overall culture around the team. Dipoto touched on that aspect when discussing Polanco’s situation, pointing out that many players who spend time in Seattle grow comfortable and feel supported by the organization and the surroundings.
“The guys who come here, the comfort that they feel, the environment that they’re in, I do believe that,” Dipoto said. Although he stopped short of speaking directly on Polanco’s behalf, he expressed confidence that Jorge’s experience in Seattle was likely similar to the positive one Josh Naylor encountered as well.
Dipoto’s words highlight an important part of the Mariners’ approach in free agency: they are selling more than just dollars and years on a contract. They are also emphasizing the sense of belonging, stability, and genuine appreciation that players experience once they become part of the organization. That environment can be just as influential in a player’s decision-making process as financial considerations or on-field opportunity.
In Polanco’s case, the decision may ultimately come down to a combination of factors, including the length and value of the contract being offered, the role he would play on the field, and the comfort he feels with the team, the city, and his teammates. While he is unquestionably free to listen to offers from other clubs, Seattle has positioned itself as an attractive and familiar option.
At this point, the situation remains fluid. No final agreement has been reached, and there is no official timeline for when a decision must be made. But the fact that communication is ongoing, that mutual respect is clearly present, and that Polanco made a meaningful impact during his time with the Mariners all point toward a real possibility that the two sides could eventually find common ground on a new deal.
For now, the Mariners will continue to operate with patience, understanding that free agency is a process that takes time and reflection. Their quick signing of Naylor showed decisiveness, and their approach with Polanco shows thoughtfulness and respect for the player’s journey. Whether Polanco ultimately returns to Seattle or chooses to explore a new chapter elsewhere, it is clear that the Mariners value what he brings on and off the field and would welcome the chance to see him in a Mariners uniform again.
Until then, all eyes remain on how the situation unfolds, with both sides carefully weighing their next steps in what could become one of the key decisions of Seattle’s offseason.
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