Report: Yankees Interested In All-Star Infielder

The New York Yankees are reportedly eyeing Jorge Polanco as a target to strengthen their infield following Gleyber Torres’ departure to the Detroit Tigers. 

Polanco, now a free agent after the Seattle Mariners declined his $12 million club option for 2025, could be a potential rebound candidate after a tough 2024 season. 

Limited by knee injuries, the 31-year-old switch-hitter posted a .213 batting average, 16 home runs, and a .651 OPS in 118 games. 

Despite these struggles, Polanco’s career numbers—.263/.330/.435 with 128 home runs and 492 RBIs—make him an intriguing option for the Yankees, especially considering his offensive success from 2021-2023 when he maintained an OPS near .800 and hit 63 homers.

The Yankees have checked in on 2B Jorge Polanco according to Mark Sanchez of the New York Post. pic.twitter.com/Re5WAdM0i2

— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) January 7, 2025

Polanco’s versatility adds to his appeal, with experience at second base, shortstop, and third base. The Yankees are particularly interested in deploying him as a second baseman, allowing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to remain at third. 

According to The New York Post, Polanco has been preparing for a flexible role this offseason by taking ground balls at multiple positions. His potential to bounce back in a more hitter-friendly environment like Yankee Stadium is an enticing prospect. 

“With a repaired knee and while playing in a far more friendly environment for hitters, the 31-year-old switch-hitter could be a rebound candidate in The Bronx,” wrote Mark W. Sanchez. 

Polanco’s offensive production and switch-hitting ability could fill the void left by Torres while complementing offseason acquisitions like Cody Bellinger, Max Fried, Paul Goldschmidt, and Devin Williams.

The one interesting thing about Jorge Polanco is he pulls the hell out of his fly balls.

Above the 90th percentile in Fly Ball Pull rate each of the last three years.

Plenty of offensive upside in Yankee Stadium.

— Jack Fungo (@FungoMedia) January 7, 2025

While the Yankees have also considered other infielders like Brendan Rodgers, Luis Arraez, and Alex Bregman, Polanco stands out as an affordable, flexible solution with significant upside. 

If he can rediscover his pre-2024 form, Polanco could provide a valuable mix of power, contact, and defensive adaptability.

Photo Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images