MAJOR-BREAKING; Massive Defensive Boost: Yankees Strike Gold On Seattle Mariners High-Upside Free Agent Infielder.

As the offseason continues, the Yankees find themselves in a tough spot in their search for a reliable infielder. Several promising options have already been taken off the table. Gavin Lux was traded to the Reds, eliminating a strong left-handed bat from the market, while the Rays have made it clear that Brandon Lowe is unavailable for trade. Even three-time batting champion Luis Arraez doesn’t seem like a perfect fit for Yankee Stadium, where power hitters are valued and defensive concerns weigh heavily.

Could Jorge Polanco be the solution? If the Yankees decide to pursue a free-agent infielder with potential, Polanco could be an intriguing option. At 31, the switch-hitting Polanco has had moments of brilliance throughout his career, though he struggled last season with the Mariners. He posted a .213/.296/.355 line with 16 home runs and 45 RBIs in 118 games.

These numbers don’t stand out, but context is key. Polanco has dealt with injuries in recent years, and when healthy, he’s shown he can be a powerful offensive force. In 2021, he hit 33 home runs and had a 124 wRC+, proving his ability to be a middle-of-the-order presence. Even in 2023, despite playing just 80 games, he posted a .255/.335/.454 line with 14 home runs and 48 RBIs. If he can stay healthy, Polanco has the potential to provide similar or even better power numbers than Gleyber Torres.

While Polanco’s defensive metrics leave something to be desired, the Yankees wouldn’t have to break the bank to acquire him. This makes him an even more attractive option, especially as the team manages its payroll and farm system. Polanco represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. If his power returns and his health holds up, he could prove to be a bargain with significant value at second base. Given the Yankees’ limited infield options, taking a chance on Polanco could help fill the gap left by Torres and offer much-needed stability to their infield.

Defensively, Polanco is a mixed bag. Last season, he played 925.1 innings at second base, posting a .981 fielding percentage with seven errors. Advanced metrics, such as defensive runs saved (-1) and outs above average (-10), don’t paint a favorable picture. However, his defense might still represent an upgrade over Torres, who has been a liability in the field throughout his career. Polanco’s versatility and experience at second base make him a serviceable option, although his defensive flaws could be mitigated if he rebounds offensively.

Another factor in Polanco’s favor is his ability to perform against left-handed pitchers. He had solid numbers against southpaws last season, though he struggled against right-handers. His history suggests that this imbalance may be temporary, and with his switch-hitting ability, he could provide the Yankees with the balance they need in their lineup. With his potential to improve both offensively and defensively, Polanco could be an affordable yet impactful addition for New York.