As the offseason grinds on, the Yankees are finding themselves backed into a corner when it comes to shoring up their infield. Several potential targets have already slipped through their fingers. Gavin Lux was traded to the Reds, taking a high-upside lefty bat off the market, while the Rays have made it clear that Brandon Lowe isn’t available.
Even Luis Arraez, the three-time batting champion, doesn’t fit perfectly at Yankee Stadium, where power is paramount, and his lack of defensive ability looms large.
Could Jorge Polanco Be the Solution?
If the Yankees want to turn to the free-agent market for an infielder with some upside, Jorge Polanco could be an intriguing option. The 31-year-old switch hitter has shown flashes of brilliance during his career but is coming off a disappointing season with the Mariners. In 118 games, Polanco hit just .213/.296/.355 with 16 home runs and 45 RBIs. Those numbers certainly don’t jump off the page, but context matters.
Polanco has battled injuries in recent years, but his underlying potential remains intact. In 2021, he crushed 33 home runs and posted a 124 wRC+, showcasing his ability to be a middle-of-the-order threat. Even in 2023, a season in which he played just 80 games, Polanco slashed .255/.335/.454 with 14 home runs and 48 RBIs. If he can stay healthy, there’s reason to believe he could match or even exceed Gleyber Torres’s production, particularly in the power department.
A Defensive Downgrade or a Marginal Upgrade?
Defensively, Polanco is a mixed bag. Last year, he logged 925.1 innings at second base, posting a .981 fielding percentage with seven errors. Metrics such as defensive runs saved (-1) and outs above average (-10) don’t paint a flattering picture, though he still may represent an upgrade over Torres, who has been a defensive liability throughout his career.
Polanco’s versatility and experience at second base make him serviceable, though not elite, and his defensive shortcomings might be more palatable if his offensive production bounces back.
The Upside of a Low-Cost Gamble
Polanco’s splits reveal another wrinkle in his potential fit. While he was solid against left-handed pitching last season, he struggled mightily against right-handers. However, his track record in 2023 suggests that this imbalance may not be permanent. Polanco has the ability to adjust and improve, and his switch-hitting profile adds flexibility to a lineup that needs balance.
The Yankees wouldn’t need to break the bank to bring Polanco into the fold, which makes him an even more attractive option. At a time when their farm system and payroll are being managed carefully, Polanco represents a classic low-risk, high-reward opportunity. If his power returns and his health holds up, he could be a bargain acquisition with the potential to provide significant value at second base.
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A Calculated Risk Worth Taking
While Polanco’s 2024 season was underwhelming, his career numbers and upside suggest that he might be worth the gamble. With the Yankees running out of viable infield options, they may need to take a chance on a player like Polanco, whose potential to rebound could help fill the void left by Torres and provide much-needed stability to their infield.