The New York Mets are making moves! Following the departures of key players like Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz, the team has signed Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal. But is this move a home run or a strikeout? Let's dive in.
Polanco, who primarily played second base and served as a designated hitter for the Seattle Mariners in 2025, is expected to fill a void. While some might assume he's replacing Alonso at first base, it's worth noting that Polanco has only played one game at first base in his 12-year career.
Polanco's 2025 season saw him slash .265/.326/.495, resulting in an OPS of .821. He also hit 26 home runs and drove in 78 RBIs.
But here's where it gets controversial...
There's a theory that Polanco's offensive production is more about replacing Brandon Nimmo, who was traded to the Texas Rangers. Nimmo's stats from the previous season were .262/.324/.436 with an OPS of .760, along with 25 home runs and 92 RBIs. Polanco's numbers are strikingly similar, leading to the question: Was this David Stearns' plan all along?
So, what else did Stearns see in Polanco? The answer lies in his performance with runners in scoring position (RISP).
The Mets struggled with situational hitting in 2025, ranking 27th in batting average with RISP before the All-Star Game. Polanco, on the other hand, thrived in these situations, batting .337 with six home runs and 52 RBIs. Even more impressive, his performance with RISP and two outs was exceptional, boasting a .400 batting average with three home runs and 26 RBIs. Could this be the key reason behind Stearns' interest?
And this is the part most people miss...
Many baseball analysts are skeptical about situational hitting. The book Playing the Percentages in Baseball suggests that consistent overall performance is the key. This raises the age-old question: Does a 'clutch gene' really exist? Only time will tell if Polanco can replicate his success with the Mets in 2026.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe in the 'clutch gene'? Share your opinions in the comments below!
