Angels Lose Prime Free Agent Target to Rival AL West Team

The Los Angeles Angels have lost out on another potential free agent as infielder Jorge Polanco re-signed with the Seattle Mariners Thursday, per MLB insider Ken Rosenthal. Polanco would have been a good fit in Anaheim and provided some depth.

Free-agent infielder Jorge Polanco in agreement with Mariners, pending physical, sources tell me and @Chandler_Rome. Had been Astros target. Mariners acquired him from Twins last January.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 31, 2025

Polanco could have handled the second base duties until prospect Christian Moore was ready to make his major league debut. However, the Angels not signing Polanco, a short-term affordable option, could signify the team is ready to start Moore at second.

Polanco signed a one-year, $7.75 million contract with Seattle. The agreement also includes a $750,000 buyout on a mutual option for 2026 based on plate appearances.

Polanco one-year guarantee is $7.75M, including $750K buyout on a vesting player/mutual option for 2026 based on plate appearances, source says. @Feinsand first with structure.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 31, 2025

MLB.com's Angels beat writer Rhett Bollinger suggested Polanco as a free agent the Halos should sign earlier this month.

"He’d be an affordable short-term option for the Angels at second base with Luis Rengifo shifting over to third base and Anthony Rendon serving in a backup role," Bollinger wrote. "The Angels don’t want to block top second base prospect Christian Moore, and Polanco can handle second until Moore is ready. He’d improve their depth and give the Angels more infield insurance along with Scott Kingery and Kevin Newman, especially with shortstop Zach Neto likely to miss time early in the season after undergoing right shoulder surgery in early November.

The veteran infielder plays multiple positions and is a switch-hitter which would have added some versatility for the Angels. Polanco is coming off a rough season with the Mariners where he hit .213 with 16 homers and 45 RBIs in 118 games.

Polanco would have also fit the mold of this offseason's haul for the Halos since he is a veteran player.

General manager Perry Minasian insisted the team has to bring in more talent, but the Angels have only lost out on free agents since the Winter Meetings.

“I feel like we've brought in some really good people,” Minasian said. “I feel like we've brought in some leadership in the locker room. I feel like we brought in talent on the field. We need to do more.”

If the Halos can add one big name free agent this offseason, it could help change the franchise's fortunes.