Mariners' $26 Million Star Projected To Bolt For Deal With Pirates

The Mariners could lose one of their key players to the Pirates this offseason...

Jul 5, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Jorge Polanco (7) is greeted in the dugout after scoring against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: John Froschauer-Imagn Images | John Froschauer-Imagn Images

The Seattle Mariners entered the offseason with three key free agents: Jorge Polanco, Eugenio Suárez, and Josh Naylor.

The Mariners already signed Naylor to a new deal, but the pair of Polanco and Suárez sit in free agency.

It seems like the Mariners will try to re-sign one of the two stars, but it's unclear if they'll be able to do it. Neither is expected to sign a huge contract, but the Mariners might not be able to afford it either way.

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Just Baseball's Joey Peterson recently predicted Polanco would bolt from the Mariners and sign a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason. Polanco is projected to sign a $26 million deal in free agency, per Jim Bowden of The Athletic.

Mariners could lose Jorge Polanco to the Pirates in free agency

Oct 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco (7) singles in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

"While they have been linked to several different hitters already, Jorge Polanco feels like the perfect fit for this organization," Peterson wrote. "Heading into his age-32 season, Polanco hits a solid middle ground in terms of price. He’ll be cheaper than the upper echelon of free-agent bats, but he has the ability to be a very productive middle-of-the-order hitter at an AAV anywhere around $10 million to $16 million in all likelihood.

"Polanco is coming off one of the best seasons of his career and certainly his best since since his peak season in 2021 with the Minnesota Twins. Polanco hit the second-most homers of his career in 2025 with 26, and he ended with the highest wRC+ of his entire career at 132."

The Pirates are seemingly ramping up for a huge free agency. They're reportedly interested in Kyle Schwarber, but that seems more like a fever dream than anything.

Falling back on Polanco would make a lot of sense.

He's affordable and talented. The Pirates would get a lot better by adding Polanco to their lineup. His presence at second base would improve the roster and clubhouse for the next few years without breaking the bank.

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