Overview
- Polanco signed a two-year, $40 million deal to replace free agent Pete Alonso, who took a five-year contract with the Orioles.
- Before camp, he had logged only one inning at first base in the majors, making his transition a central spring storyline.
- Polanco met with Mets legend Keith Hernandez last weekend, receiving guidance to arrive on time to the bag, trust his infield instincts, and know teammates’ arms.
- Manager Carlos Mendoza says the move is going “smoothly,” praising Polanco’s footwork, communication, and use of the whole bag.
- Polanco has produced a 1.013 OPS with two homers this spring as New York heads to Opening Day, though analysts still label his defense at first a major question.