Jorge Polanco’s Twins Tenure is Approaching an End

[Cody Christie]

Jorge Polanco has been one of the Twins’ most underrated players throughout his big-league career. It’s looking more like his Twins tenure will end with a looming option, poor performance, and young players ready to replace him.

Image courtesy of Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports

Jorge Polanco debuted with the Twins 10 seasons ago, but he only appeared in nine games over his first two seasons. Minnesota had an infield need in 2014, and he was the only option on the 40-man roster. He became a regular for the Twins in the second half of 2016 and played over 100 games for the first time in 2017. Polanco started the 2019 All-Star Game at shortstop, and Twins Daily named him the team’s MVP in 2021. He will play his 800th game with the Twins this season, and the club will likely induct him into the team Hall of Fame following his retirement. 

Polanco has dealt with mounting injuries in recent seasons that have had a negative impact on his performance. Ankle injuries slowed him down during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, resulting in back-to-back offseasons where he needed surgery. He went on the IL for the first time in his career on June 16, 2022. Injuries limited to 46 games after his IL stint in 2022, and a knee injury delayed his start to the 2023 campaign. He’s played fewer than 50 games for the Twins this season, making his team option a tough decision for the front office. 

The Twins signed Polanco to a five-year, $25.7 million contract extension before the 2019 campaign, which turned out to be team-friendly. According to FanGraphs, Polanco has provided the Twins with $82.2 million worth of value since he signed his extension. Minnesota has two team options left on his current deal for $10.5 million per season. In 2023, injuries have limited his playing time, and he has been worth .$5.1 million. The Twins and the team’s medical staff know Polanco better than anyone, and his injury history might make it difficult for the club to pick up his option. 

Organizationally, younger players are performing at the big-league level and are prepared to step into Polanco’s role. Edouard Julien has been one of the team’s best hitters this season while regularly playing at second base. Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee are also expected to fit into the team’s infield picture for the foreseeable future. Minnesota’s ideal line-up by midseason next year likely includes Lee and Lewis, along with Carlos Correa and Alex Kirilloff. Health can always influence how the front office constructs the roster, especially with how the team has tended to value depth. 

If Polanco’s Twins tenure ends, fans should remember him as one of the best infielders in team history. Only three shortstops have accumulated more fWAR than Polanco, including Roy Smalley, Zoilo Versalles, and Greg Gagne. Rod Carew, Chuck Knoblauch, and Brian Dozier are the lone second basemen with more than fWAR than Polanco. All those infielders are among the best in team history, and each accumulated at least 150 more games than Polanco during their Twins tenure. 

Polanco has given the Twins tremendous value during his career, including being a leader on multiple playoff-contending teams. However, his Twins tenure seems to be coming to an end, with younger and cheaper options ready to step into the infield. There is a possibility that the Twins exercise his $10.5 million team option, but that seems like a fleeting chance at this point. 

Should the Twins exercise Polanco’s option? Can the team try and work on a restructured deal? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

View full article

[roger]

Is it, Cody?

Polo and Kepler are going to be two huge decisions the front office must make at year end.  I can see them going either way with each.  Personally, don't have a clue what they will do or even an opinion on what they should. 

Both have been a huge part of the Twins for as long as many of us can remember.  If either or both are gone, will be missed by many of us.

[Karbo]

Yes the Twins should use the option. I've been advocating moving him to 1st base for over a year. It would be easier on his lower body, and lets them shift AK to the OF. I think he would be a better 1st baseman than AK defensively. Next season shoul see Lewis, Correa, Julian, Polanco around the IF, with an OF of AK, Buxton, and Wallner. Primary DH maybe Larnach or some sort of rotation.

[Dale Powers]

Exercise the option. Use him as a "super sub" at 2B, SS, and 3B

[DJL44]

He's not worth $10.5M, there are always similar options available in free agency for less. The Twins are only paying Solano $2M, for example. I wouldn't mind if the Twins bring Polanco back but they should definitely decline his option.

[jorgenswest]

I would bring him back and not take Farmer to his third year of arbitration. Farmer is at 5.85 million now and that will increase so the difference in salary between Polanco and Farmer isn’t significant. Farmer may be healthier but has no upside and is 33.

To me the choice is to keep one of the two veterans or let go of both. I am keeping Polanco. They won’t have 12 position players better than him. The team will be better with him.

 

[Stew]

The the twins have injuries, I think we pay him and hope he. Stays healthy the early part of the season. We could then trade him. I see we could get good value in a trade. Besides I think we have room for him with buxton and kirloff going thru what they have with injuries.

[Teddy]

I'm in favor of excercising this year's option, but if Polo is healthy next year (and Lee, Lewis and Correa are manning 3B, 2B and SS in some combination), where does that leave Julien? Would they consider trying him in LF the way they tried with Arraez last year?

[Major League Ready]

A couple questions come to mind when considering Polanco for 2024.  Does Lewis remain at 3B or does he become a super utility?  Do they believe Lee will be here by June 1st next year.  Do they believe in Prato as a bench player at 2B/3B.   Are they bringing Gordon back?  I could see keeping Polanco instead of Farmer.  They both don't fit on the roster IMO. 

I guess the other question is can they get something back in trade.  With all the other options, he is expendable if they can get back a decent prospect.  The best option could be to keep him until the trade deadline while working in Lee/Prato/Severino the early part of 24.

[FlyingFinn]

19 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

He's not worth $10.5M, there are always similar options available in free agency for less.

Agreed. The Twins only exercise the option if another team wants him in a trade. 

The Twins missed the boat on trading high on Polanco with numerous guys coming up in the minors (Julien, Steer, Martin, etc.). Great player whose body has taken a toll.

[LA Vikes Fan]

This is a no brainer if the price was $4-6m rather than $10.5m, you absolutely bring him back. He can play a super utility role or even 2B with Julien as more of a DH/1B.  Polanco has proven himself to be an above average major player with an an above average bat and at least average D except at SS. He is a much better player than Donovan Solano (who I really like) and absolutely fits on a 26 man roster for a contending team. Yes, he gets hurt more often now that he's older but his 125, 116 and 110 OPS+ the last 3 years including this one isn't easily available, particularly from a guy who can actually provide some defensive value.  Lee, etc., even Julien, might be better but that's a crapshoot at least for 2024. The 2024 Twins will be a better team if Polo is on it.     

So the issue isn't should he be on the 2024 Twins - HE SHOULD - the issue is whether he's worth $10.5m. But should that really be a stumbling block? Next year's Twins have 3 large salaries - Lopez, Correa, and Buxton - and a whole lotta guys still under control and making bupkiss money. Gray is likely gone and Maeda may stay but for relative peanuts for a starting pitcher - maybe $10-12m. They can afford Polanco at $10.5 m, Kepler at $10m and Vasquez at $10m because a big part of the heart of the team next year will be guys making $1m or less - Lewis, Ryan, Ober, Duran, Julien, Kirilloff, Wallner, Castro, Jax, etc. I would try to get Polo to sign for 2 years at a total of around $12-14m but if he won't I would definitely pick up the option and at least keep him through 2024. Polo is a winner. You keep guys like that if you can. 

[High heat]

15 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

I would bring him back and not take Farmer to his third year of arbitration. Farmer is at 5.85 million now and that will increase so the difference in salary between Polanco and Farmer isn’t significant. Farmer may be healthier but has no upside and is 33.

To me the choice is to keep one of the two veterans or let go of both. I am keeping Polanco. They won’t have 12 position players better than him. The team will be better with him.

 

I don’t see how you don’t pick up his option.  You paid Gallo 11 mil this season you paid farmer 6.  Polanco gives you depth at both 2nd and 3rd and he has likely trade value since it’s a 1 yr deal or value at next yrs deadline.  
 

I am not sold on Julien at 2B long term or Lewis staying healthy and playing 3B.  

[LA Vikes Fan]

One more thought. Let's not get too tied up with getting every player a set position where they will play "every day". That's not the way modern baseball works.  The twins need 6 infielders for the 2024 roster, at least 2 of whom can play SS. Those 6 will play in various combinations during the course of the season and their performance, injuries, etc. will determine who plays how much. We have a clear 5 for next year in my mind - Correa, Lewis, Kirilloff, Julien, and Polanco. Since Lewis can play SS, we don't really need Farmer. That last spot can be Farmer or Solano initially, tough choice between bat or glove,  If Lee is ready, it can be Lee, same for Miranda. Both have a ways to go to prove they belong, though. My guess is that Miranda starts the season as the RH IB, part time 3B, with Lee in AAA, and Farmer and Solano somewhere else, but that's just a guess.  

In short, there is not "logjam" that forces Polanco off the roster.  In fact, I would argue that his versatility is exactly what we need. Keep Polanco. There is absolutely no reason to trade him unless you can get a big return.  

[JesusisLord7]

Good player but he is part of that Twins collective who has never won a playoff game. He has a good legacy in the regular season so we'll leave it as that. Time to move on. I would have traded him at the deadline but the injuries understandably weakened that possibility. 

[terrydactyls]

Unfortunately for fans, baseball is a business.  Most people would like Polo back in 2024 but financially he needs to be willing to renegotiate his contract and get paid around $5M/year for two years or he ges released.  The Twins should be happy with a two-year deal at that price because he might be an attractive trade asset at that price.

[Major League Ready]

7 minutes ago, High heat said:

I don’t see how you don’t pick up his option.  You paid Gallo 11 mil this season you paid farmer 6.  Polanco gives you depth at both 2nd and 3rd and he has likely trade value since it’s a 1 yr deal or value at next yrs deadline.  
 

I am not sold on Julien at 2B long term or Lewis staying healthy and playing 3B.  

They also have Lee/Prato/Severino knocking at the door and let's hope a healthy Miranda reasserts himself.  It's fair to assume he is a bench player if Lewis is healthy.  Would the $10M be better spent on pitching while rolling with one of the several other options?

[Patzky]

17 minutes ago, High heat said:

I don’t see how you don’t pick up his option.  You paid Gallo 11 mil this season you paid farmer 6.  Polanco gives you depth at both 2nd and 3rd and he has likely trade value since it’s a 1 yr deal or value at next yrs deadline.  
 

I am not sold on Julien at 2B long term or Lewis staying healthy and playing 3B.  

It's sad that the popular and well liked guys in the clubhouse (Polo, Farmer) may not be around to mentor the young players on their way up. But the numbers game says it's so. Having said that Polo and Solano (and maybe Castro) have shown the flexibility and prowess that should make the team keep maybe two of them if not all 3. Gallo, Farmer, maybe Gordon and Larnach, thanks and good luck..

[weitz41]

I'd absolutely bring him back. There is no need to be in a hurry to move on. $10.5 mil is what 1.5 WAR? Yeah, Yeah, what about Lee and Lewis. That's a 2024 trade deadline issue, maybe. Lee hasn't earned it yet and to part with Polanco I think that needs to be true 1st. After the 2024 season is the time for this topic. IMO

[DJL44]

39 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

I would bring him back and not take Farmer to his third year of arbitration. Farmer is at 5.85 million now and that will increase so the difference in salary between Polanco and Farmer isn’t significant. Farmer may be healthier but has no upside and is 33.

To me the choice is to keep one of the two veterans or let go of both. I am keeping Polanco. They won’t have 12 position players better than him. The team will be better with him.

Farmer is the better defender and he's actually available to play most days. He's also a good short side of a 2B platoon with Julien.

[DJL44]

35 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

A couple questions come to mind when considering Polanco for 2024.  Does Lewis remain at 3B or does he become a super utility?

I think Polanco has been the player pushing to play a utility role. It's a smart move for him, that's how he'll get his next contract.

[DJL44]

19 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

Would the $10M be better spent on pitching while rolling with one of the several other options?

Yes, because the young guys they were counting on the fill bullpen spots have pretty much all failed.

[Jim wyllie]

Definitely keep him and the logical solution get everyone playing time is a rotational dh next year to help keep players healthy.

[DJL44]

28 minutes ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

We have a clear 5 for next year in my mind - Correa, Lewis, Kirilloff, Julien, and Polanco. Since Lewis can play SS, we don't really need Farmer. That last spot can be Farmer or Solano initially, tough choice between bat or glove,  If Lee is ready, it can be Lee, same for Miranda. Both have a ways to go to prove they belong, though. My guess is that Miranda starts the season as the RH IB, part time 3B, with Lee in AAA, and Farmer and Solano somewhere else, but that's just a guess.  

In short, there is not "logjam" that forces Polanco off the roster.  In fact, I would argue that his versatility is exactly what we need. Keep Polanco. There is absolutely no reason to trade him unless you can get a big return.  

My guess for infielders on the 40 man roster this offseason: Correa, Lewis, Kirilloff, Julien, Willi Castro, Farmer, Gordon, Miranda, Martin, Severino. Does Polanco add $10.5M worth of value as the 11th infielder when his banged up body will give you 80-100 games maximum?

[jorgenswest]

1 hour ago, Teddy said:

I'm in favor of excercising this year's option, but if Polo is healthy next year (and Lee, Lewis and Correa are manning 3B, 2B and SS in some combination), where does that leave Julien? Would they consider trying him in LF the way they tried with Arraez last year?

They need them all. It is OK to have good bats on the bench.

[jorgenswest]

35 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Farmer is the better defender and he's actually available to play most days. He's also a good short side of a 2B platoon with Julien.

Farmer is 33. He will decline more with glove and bat. I think the risk is he will be healthy, unproductive and on the roster. His third year arb salary will likely be around 8 million and they won’t want to release him at that salary.

I prefer the injury risk with Polanco where they can fill that roster spot when he is out.they have the depth. 

[Boswell]

The Bomba Squad is now four years gone by.   Ed-DEE!, Boomstick and GarvSauce will always be wonderful summertime memories, while Sano remains in the camp of regret.  

As the two longest tenured Twins, Polanco and Kepler look rather unlikely to survive the process of “cost benefit analysis”.  

We are in bondage to Buxton and Correa and cannot free ourselves.   They will need to be the ones to “provide veteran leadership”.

The supporting (or leading!) cast needs to start rolling over to Lewis, Kirilloff, Julien, Wallner, Larnach, Jeffers, Lee, Martin, Walker, et. al.  
 

Of course, Polanco and Kepler could also lead us into November… then the options would be more than covered by the new round of cap and T-shirt sales! (And we’d all have a Merry Christmas 🎄)

[Cris E]

They have plenty of money in general, and specifically there are a number of large contracts coming up leaving plenty of room to spend. The Pohlads will always be fine on the money front, but the window of being atop a terrible division with an easy road to the playoffs will not stay open long. They need to spend now to make the most of the chance they have.  And let's be clear: a soft division means you can cycle stiffs like Dallas Kueckel through the rotation in August to rest starters, it lets you send out tired relievers and worn down infielders for a spa week in St Paul and still only have to fend off PIT and KC to hold your 5 game lead.

So thinking about this question in terms of opportunity, Polanco is, at the very least, better than Lee and Castro and Gordon and Solano and Gallo. Farmer is still valuable for defensive value and half a platoon, Lewis and Jullien are worth more, and Correa far more.  By the end of next year Lee may have pushed toward the front, but clearly not this year. Polo should be able to replace Solano, Farmer can be your SS backup and Castro can be the second utility guy that we always seem to need. We still need a CF if we choose to upgrade from Taylor's good glove, 15 HR and weak average, but I don't think Gordon is that guy and it's pretty clear Gallo isn't either.

So I'd easily keep him while we're in Win Now mode (which we certainly should be.) There will be plenty of opportunities for these guys because I assume that we'll continue to have injury problems in the future, same as every team these days, and we'll be needing extra fielders all over the place. This is a fine problem to have, and the solution is to replace older role players with our younger, improving guys when they prove themselves ready. The choice isn't which youngster to get rid of, but which geezer to upgrade, and Polanco isn't that guy when you have some of these others around.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

1 hour ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

One more thought. Let's not get too tied up with getting every player a set position where they will play "every day". That's not the way modern baseball works.  The twins need 6 infielders for the 2024 roster, at least 2 of whom can play SS. Those 6 will play in various combinations during the course of the season and their performance, injuries, etc. will determine who plays how much. We have a clear 5 for next year in my mind - Correa, Lewis, Kirilloff, Julien, and Polanco. Since Lewis can play SS, we don't really need Farmer. That last spot can be Farmer or Solano initially, tough choice between bat or glove,  If Lee is ready, it can be Lee, same for Miranda. Both have a ways to go to prove they belong, though. My guess is that Miranda starts the season as the RH IB, part time 3B, with Lee in AAA, and Farmer and Solano somewhere else, but that's just a guess.  

In short, there is not "logjam" that forces Polanco off the roster.  In fact, I would argue that his versatility is exactly what we need. Keep Polanco. There is absolutely no reason to trade him unless you can get a big return.  

Thank you for addressing this.  In today's game flexibility is key, it is not very common for a player to be truly "blocked".

For a player like Polanco, being on the roster is more than just the numbers on the back of the card.  Leadership and mentoring can be huge for a team like the Twins that have a bunch of young middle-infielder types on or near the big league level.

Not as much of a lock as Kepler, but I think there is a good chance his option is exercised.

[DJL44]

20 minutes ago, Cris E said:

So thinking about this question in terms of opportunity, Polanco is, at the very least, better than Lee and Castro and Gordon and Solano and Gallo. Farmer is still valuable for defensive value and half a platoon, Lewis and Jullien are worth more, and Correa far more.  By the end of next year Lee may have pushed toward the front, but clearly not this year. Polo should be able to replace Solano, Farmer can be your SS backup and Castro can be the second utility guy that we always seem to need. We still need a CF if we choose to upgrade from Taylor's good glove, 15 HR and weak average, but I don't think Gordon is that guy and it's pretty clear Gallo isn't either.

Castro has been far more valuable than Polanco this season. Baseball Reference has Castro as the #1 Twins position player.

I agree that Polanco could effectively replace Solano but is that worth $10.5M?

[RpR]

4 hours ago, DJL44 said:

My guess for infielders on the 40 man roster this offseason: Correa, Lewis, Kirilloff, Julien, Willi Castro, Farmer, Gordon, Miranda, Martin, Severino. Does Polanco add $10.5M worth of value as the 11th infielder when his banged up body will give you 80-100 games maximum?

The Twins treat their veterans very well , for the most part, so Polanco's future is probably with the Twins, at that;  all those players listed above, some one/s are not coming back, or simply are staying in AAA  until they are needed, or traded.

Orthodontists probably love Julien playing 2nd as it makes the coaches grind their teeth every time a ball comes his way, Gordon is not a good as Castro, Miranda's boat is in the same dock as Gordon, the AAA rookies will have to sparkle in Spring Training to not remain at AAA, or with the Twins .

Spring Training will be very interesting next year.