The Astros are focused on re-signing Alex Bregman but aren’t putting all of their eggs in that basket. They’ve been linked to Willy Adames — another likely nine-figure free agent — and have also checked in with a few contingency plans, including free agent Jorge Polanco, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Polanco, who’s coming off a down year in Seattle and underwent knee surgery in October, has typically been a middle infielder, first coming to the majors as a shortstop in Minnesota before moving over to second base due to defensive concerns. The 31-year-old does have a bit of experience at the hot corner, having logged a combined 180 innings there in two different seasons with the Twins (plus another 128 frames there as a minor leaguer). He played 103 innings at third base as recently as 2023 in Minnesota.
The 2024 season was a disaster for Polanco, who’s battled knee troubles for several seasons and saw those ongoing troubles culminate in offseason surgery. His lone year in Seattle produced a .213/.296/.355 slash in 118 games — a far cry from the combined .270/.338/.455 output Polanco posted in six years with the Twins from 2018-23. Polanco still cracked 16 home runs for the Mariners in 2024, but his strikeout rate spiked to a career-worst 29.2% and he posted some of the worst defensive grades of his career (-10 Outs Above Average).
Polanco underwent surgery to repair the patellar tendon in his left knee in early October. He’d previously had IL stints for that same knee in both 2023 and 2022, missing about seven weeks of action combined between the two instances. Given the recent knee struggles and ugly results in 2024, Polanco is likely ticketed for a one-year deal. At the very least, he’d be an affordable alternative to Bregman/Adames who could allow the ’Stros to perhaps spend elsewhere.
At this stage of his career, however, asking Polanco to hold down third base regularly feels like a stretch. He’ll turn 32 next July, is coming off that knee surgery and already ranks poorly in terms of arm strength on his throws in the infield, per Statcast. While throws from second base and third base can’t simply be compared in apples-to-apples fashion — throws from third base are inherently going to come in at a higher velocity — Polanco is well below average even when compared strictly to other second basemen; his average velocity ranked 48th among the 63 players who made at least 100 throws as a second baseman in 2024. Perhaps a healthier lower half will lead to better life on his throws moving forward, but the recent trends don’t bode well for a move to third base.
That said, it’s a pretty thin market at the hot corner this offseason — at least in free agency. Bregman is the clear top option, though some teams might prefer Adames, who’s reportedly willing to move off shortstop in the right setting. Virtually everyone beyond Bregman and Adames falls into the rebound candidate bucket, with Polanco joining names like Josh Rojas, Gio Urshela, Yoan Moncada, Brandon Drury and Luis Urias (among others). The trade market includes Alec Bohm and the pricier Nolan Arenado, to name a couple of the most prominent candidates.
KnicksFanCavsFan
Depending on the prowler cost, I think it’s rather trade for Arenado on his remaining 3/$64 net than what Bregman/Boras will likely hold out for.
KnicksFanCavsFan
I meant “prospect cost”.
Old York
The Astros considering injury-riddled Jorge Polanco as a backup plan at third base highlights how dire the hot corner market has become, but relying on a player with declining defensive metrics and a surgically repaired knee to fill Bregman’s shoes feels like a gamble doomed to fail.
Seamaholic
That’s quite a fallback. Emphasis on the “back.”
Bnickles127
I’d be fine if mariners brought him back for $5-6M if they pony up and make a trade for a solid 3B
good vibes only
I’d be OK with that too
dannycore
My understanding is that Polanco is a terrible defender at 3b. And that his knee is going to limit his athleticism for at least the first half of the year.
That being said. The Mariners a cursed. He probably makes the ASG as an Astro…
RussianFemboy
Polanco is past his prime, but I think he could be a decent 105-110 OPS+ guy with around 15 homers, and a .240-.250 AVG guy as well.
He’s not a good defender, so I would take him as a DH.
I would say he’s worth around 6-7mil.
He could be very good, I would watch out for him next season.
Old York
Honestly, with the talent pool spread so thin across the league, wouldn’t it make more sense to reduce the number of teams? It feels like the quality of play is being diluted, and the game could benefit from concentrating talent at fewer positions.
Seamaholic
The “game” is a business. The more teams the more money the business makes.
Old York
@Seamaholic
Sure, more teams mean more money for the owners, but let’s not confuse business with the actual game. The integrity of the sport shouldn’t be sacrificed just to line pockets. If the talent pool is diluted, fans are the ones who ultimately suffer with watered-down competition. Quality should always come before quantity, especially when it comes to maintaining the essence of the sport.
stymeedone
That’s a little altruistic. The game will be played as long as pockets get lined.
AgitatedPassenger
MLBPA would never let contraction happen either. More jobs. If anything there will be expansion.
Old York
@AgitatedPassenger
Of course, the MLBPA would never consider something as logical as contraction—it’s all about job preservation at the expense of quality. But the real question is: why are we so committed to quantity over quality? Expanding the league just increases the dilution of talent, and expanding a flawed system won’t fix its inherent problems. The league doesn’t need more teams; it needs better standards.
Chester Copperpot
I see no evidence of dilution of talent. A weak 3B market, and your say so, does not equal an issue.
Old York
@Chester Copperpot
1959 (before first expansion):
Avg: .265
OBP: .338
SLG: .411
wRC+: 103
2024:
Avg: .241
OBP: .304
SLG: .388
wRC+: 95
Bring back the quality. I’d rather have less teams and better quality player.
TheGr8One
Now do the same thing with spin rates and fastball speed to show the entire picture. It’s harder to hit a baseball in 2024 over 1959. That’s not talent dilution it’s the natural evolution of the game.
Chester Copperpot
Oh good Lord. The average fastball has increased from 92mph in 2008 to over 94 mph in 2023. Talent hasn’t decreased, no matter what stats you want to cherry pick.
nowheredan
So you’re saying the pitching is better?
nowheredan
Oops, late to the party.
TheGr8One
I wouldn’t say it’s better overall I’d say it’s far more specialized and the breaking stuff is superior. Spin rates are much higher. Being bigger doesn’t help hand eye coordination. Guys aren’t seeing a starter 3-4 times as often matchups are played more to the pitchers advantage.
dankyank
Why even bother? It’s not as if any of Polanco’s numbers are hinting at anything close to a rebound, particularly the strikeout rate.
If the Astros want to go cheap then why not look at Berti and Rojas? Both would provide an extra win at half the cost or less.
SadMsFan
If Polanco does well for another team this upcoming year…man…I wish him well, I really do. But 2024 was a disastrous year for the Mariners, and so far this offseason has continued that trend so far. Also, why hasn’t MLBTR announced Drew Pomeranz signing with the Mariners on a minor league deal? That’s huge news, cause he’s still good! Pitching depth, that’s what the Mariners need lol, jeez, sorry I can’t hold a straight face. The Mariners aren’t cursed, but they are stupid. 2024 was a horrible showcase that put even more bad feelings upon TMobile park as a place hitters go to die, and made it less likely that an even decent free agent would ever sign with us, and make hitters cringe at the thought of being traded to the M’s. We should simply build our infield from within, stop doing these platoons, eventually tell Young and Emerson and whomever else, hey this is your position, your job, just be you, and whatever happens happens. And then, eventually put Montes in the outfield. I smell Bregman, Altuve, Alvarez all over these three. If anyone could be traded, it’s Harry Ford, although he can play outfield. Luke Raley can stay at first, and Crawford at SS. Then if Crawford has a bad season, bring up that Celesten guy. Easy peasy. Then keep our pitching staff in tact, and stop giving away quality bullpen arms, and we’re good to go by 26 or 27.
Mehmehmeh
If the team did this I expect it would be adding Polanco as a veteran piece as an option while seeing if Matthews can handle taking over 3B.
WestVillageTiger
Polanco makes a lot of sense considering they have Zach Dezenzo waiting in the wings and Brice Matthews not far behind him…
Jm207* 2
I really think Arenado can put up Bregman like numbers in Houston with the Crawford box. It’s not like Bregman is a no doubt power hitter, he just pulls the ball to left field in the air.
❤️ MuteButton
Everybody’s statistics die when they go to Seattle. I would say that he is better than last year’s numbers. While he’s not a bad player, if he is the Astros lone move to address the corner situation, it’s a sign that they are moving backwards.
Bobcastelliniscat
I always wonder what players must think reading such headlines.
Twins Fan '61
I’m a Twins fan and had the “privilege” of watching Polanco attempt to play third base at the tail end of 2023. It was a total train wreck. He was beyond unacceptable as a defender.
Yes, with a bit more of a runway he might be a bit better, but he’ll be a year and a half older with a surgically repaired knee and nothing can be done to improve a far below average throwing arm.
I think Polanco has a chance to bounce back offensively, but moving him to the more challenging defensive position of third base makes no sense to me IMHO.
Rsox
Keep Dezenzo at 3B and dip into the First Base market that has better options than what the 3B market is offering
Mariners_Mojo
Mariners should have brought this guy back. He spent 10 years with the twins there was bound to be an adjustment period. I think we’d have tough luck finding anyone better this off-season and I’m sure he will be better next year
WSnotAstros2017
I know Dezenzo and even Whitcomb they were the corners. Whitcomb his last outing had NOTHING. Dezenzo was playing first.
I think if can keep Bregman Astros go to what they did last season Caratini and the one who played first after Abreu.
Houston is making no changes for Outfield. Dana thinks Chas is going to explode. Meyers is only good for Defense.
I would rather have someone worth of playing third or such for now if cannot keep Bregman. He wants at least numbers like Chapman.
I do wonder what the team will fully look like and production. Seemed like tailed off some players did. Altuve, Alvarez and do not like him at 2nd spot. Bregman either. Tucker not sure on as well. Pena was ok last season but not great. Dubon played all over and was supposed to be utility player. To me not everyday but ended up that way as Chas and Meyers were not great. Here we are going into another season probably with them not great. A couple seasons ago yes Chas had numbers then but nog uarantee going to rebound.
Really wonder if can keep their composure this season. Or will they come from behind like last season.
Will feel different not seeing Bregman but Polanco I really seriously doubt is the answer if even for this upcoming season. Almost like he will be a rental. Use until the deadline time. But would rather have someone reliable if only for a year or two. Get rid of McCullers if can maybe have some money with him off but not sure how long his contract goes to 2027 or such maybe. If Garcia isn’t able to go with pitching. Javier will be lucky as well. But so much with this team and I know guess can’t spend yet again. Have not gone big since LUHNOW. We need someone like him. Crane and Bagwell as ownership or such. Not great.
Astros_fan_in_Aus
Surely this is nothing more than journalist conjecture. If they sign this guy it would be an even bigger signal of surrender than signing Verlander.
KnicksFanCavsFan
Signing Polanco as a stop-gap in case Bregman walls isn’t a sign of surrender. There’s a dearth of talent at the 3b position. Rather than panic and either overpay for Arenando or commit $100 mil+ and then change positions in the case of Adames, maybe signing a stop- gap player like Polanco and seeing who might be on the market mid- season or next winter is the better move? Or see if a minor leaguer distinguishes himself (Perez or Whitaker)?
fenwayfrank
Polanco showed me nothing this year. It could be he was injured. I’d take a flyer on Yoan Moncada before Polanco. Actually I’d rather see them give time to rookie Shay Whitcomb.
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
If the Astros don’t sign Bregman, what do you think they will do with Framber and Tucker with only one season left on their contracts ?? Is there a chance one or both get extended ?? If they both want to go to free agency how long do the Astros keep them around ?? If no Framber; Tucker : or Bregman in 2026, will they press the implode button on the entire project and go for a rebuild ??
crazybaseballgal
As a Mariners fan I don’t see the Astros taking on Polanco. They are smarter than that.