Perfect timing: Minnesota twins Acquire Former All-Star in Big Deal with…
A major transaction between the Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins will
bring former All-Star second baseman Jorge Polanco to Seattle.
Four players return for Polanco, according to reports, including prospects
Gabriel Gonzalez, RHP Darren Bowen, and MLB righties Anthony DeSclafani
and Justin Topa. Cash is reportedly also involved.
First, let’s discuss the situation in Seattle. The Mariners are gaining an
experienced player at a position they have been severely deficient in with
Polanco. In the past two seasons, the M’s have used Adam Frazier, Kolten
Wong, and Jose Caballero at second base; none of them has been very successful.
Polanco, 30, is a lifelong member.269 hitters qualified for the 2019 All-Star
Game. Despite playing in only 80 games due to injuries in 2023, he hit.255
with 14 home runs and 48 RBI. He has a $10.5 million team option for 2025 in
addition to his 2024 contract.
From a financial standpoint, it’s an intriguing move because both teams faced
spending limitations this offseason because of worries about television
revenue. It appears that Minnesota chose to let go of Polanco, while Seattle
believed it could afford the salary—especially after relocating DeSclafani.
Polanco, 30, is a lifelong member.269 hitters qualified for the 2019 All-Star
Game. Despite playing in only 80 games due to injuries in 2023, he hit.255
with 14 home runs and 48 RBI. He has a $10.5 million team option for 2025 in
addition to his 2024 contract.
It’s an interesting move from a money perspective as both teams have been up
against spending restrictions this offseason due to television revenue concerns.
Minnesota evidently decided to move on from Polanco while Seattle felt it
could absorb the salary, especially after moving DeSclafani.
Polanco’s departure frees up Eduoard Julien, a 2023 rookie and great hitting
prospect, to take over for the Twins. They are adding bullpen support with the
acquisition of Topa. In 2023, he had a 2.61 ERA and a 5-4 record. As they’ve
done recently with Topa, Paul Sewald, and Drew Steckenrider, it appears that
Seattle believes they can unearth another bullpen success story this year.
DeSclafani, who was supposed to play lengthy relief, has recently joined
Seattle and will now have the opportunity to contend for a starting position.
He is 54-56 lifetime and has been a veteran for nine years. 2021 saw him win
13 games with the Giants.
In the most recent 2023 rankings, Gonzalez was rated as the third prospect in
the M’s organization. MLB.com states that Bowen was not among the Top 30.
