Jorge Polanco: First Baseman?

[Cody Pirkl]

The Twins have to decide how to navigate a reduced payroll, and Jorge Polanco is an option to ship out and save some money. They also could use some reinforcements at first base. Could these two issues solve each other?

Image courtesy of Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Jorge Polanco has cemented himself as a piece of the Twins' core. First, an All-Star caliber shortstop, then more recently, the everyday starting second baseman. Could Jorge Polanco make another change in position to address a roster need and remain in Minnesota?

Edouard Julien is a core piece of the Twins lineup for years to come. Although his defense at second base remains suspect, he seemed to improve as the year went on, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Twins completely trusted him to cover the position to begin 2024. Brooks Lee also looms in Triple-A, with second base among the positions he could fill when he’s ready to debut. With Polanco still in the mix, his contract makes him a candidate to be shipped out due to the redundancy of his position. Switching him to first base could completely change the situation.

Polanco isn’t the typical first base player archetype, but the Twins are no strangers to filling the position with nontraditional players. Luis Arraez played there in 2022 plenty, and even Alex Kirilloff is far from the prototypical slugging corner bat. The fact is that Polanco is a switch-hitter capable of putting up an offensive line that’s 15-20% better than league average. That should play just about anywhere.

For as much of a question as Julien’s defense is, Polanco has been far from a Gold Glove second baseman since he transitioned from shortstop. 2023 was his best season by Defensive Runs Saved with a +1 mark. His range continues to decline, as noted by his -7 Outs Above Average measured by Statcast. Despite Polanco's solid defensive rep, going from him to Julien at second base might not be the drop-off someone would suspect.

It’s hard to say Polanco would be a net positive defensively at first base, but with range being his main limiting factor, it could be worth a shot. It’s also possible that moving to a position where he doesn’t have to cover as much ground could help him stay on the field more. His hamstring issues in 2023 resulted from running out of the batters' box, but it’s fair to say that playing first base could take some pressure off his ankle, which has been an issue for years now.

Should Polanco be a trustworthy first baseman, the Twins will have solved multiple problems. He can be the right-handed platoon with Kirilloff (if he's healthy) while still moving around DH and other infield positions. If Kirilloff’s injury woes persist, Polanco’s ability to switch hit would make him an everyday option if needed. The Twins could keep a franchise player on the roster and not have to go out looking for additional help at first base. Even at $10.5m in 2024 and $12m in 2025, Polanco’s contract with first base in his repertoire would be worth it.

First base seems to be a priority this winter, and Jorge Polanco’s salary looks extraneous. Rather than dumping Polanco for what would likely be a disappointing return, the Twins should get creative and see if he can make yet another defensive transition. Do you agree?

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[Linus]

No. Move Julien to first if AK can’t stay healthy. Infield defense is better when Polanco is playing second base. I know what the metrics say but I don’t believe they are all encompassing. 

[Sean.h]

Jorge hits better from the left side, so wouldn’t be an ideal platoon with Alex, but worth considering. I’d still try to package with a prospect to get a no. 2 starting pitcher

[roger]

Interesting!

[CRF]

Sign Rhys Hoskins. Forget about moving Polo to 1B. Trade/package him in a deal to Sea for pitching. 

[JD-TWINS]

Don’t believe moving guys around as if it’s no big deal to play 1B to solve roster issues……seems fake. Anyway, if Polanco could handle 1B, which is a reasonable assumption, we need to then move Kepler. Gotta get $10M reduction in payroll for pitching help.

Kirilloff - Castro - Wallner becomes the probable opening day OF……does that make sense with Polanco & Julien on the right side of the IF?

To me, due to availability issues (108 games & 86 games respectively) over the past couple years, Polanco is the guy to move on from.

[Otaknam]

I hadn’t thought about Polanco moving to first, which isn’t a ridiculous idea. I prefer they keep Julien at second to see if he can become at least an average second baseman defensively. But I’m not surprised if both he and Kepler are traded to free up salary for more pitching.

[DJL44]

It's not a terrible idea. The Twins could use Polanco until Kirilloff is healthy or Brooks Lee is ready in the minors. Polanco's trade value will be nearly the same at the deadline next year as it is this offseason (assuming he's healthy at the trade deadline).

1 hour ago, Linus said:

Move Julien to first if AK can’t stay healthy. Infield defense is better when Polanco is playing second base

More importantly moving either Julien or Polanco to 1B gets a bat into the lineup that is better than Kirilloff. Still, it probably makes more sense to trade Polanco for a 1B than it does to move him there while he can still play 2B.

[nicksaviking]

I like the idea of keeping Polanco more than Kepler as Polanco is a consistently better hitter, but I'd still like to try to find a better bat to improve the lineup, and 1st base seems to be the best option for that.

[stringer bell]

I'd rather see Polanco at first base than third base, even if he's never played there before. That said, I'd prefer Jorge at second and Julien at first if both guys are filling a slot on the right side of the infield. Injuries are going to happen and having flexibility makes good sense. Having Polanco available to help out at first base is a good move, if he continues with the Twins.

[strumdatjag]

It has worked for the Twins in the distant past.  They moved Rod Carew from 2B to 1B.  

[Finlander]

Playing 1B isn't easy on the hammies when stretching for throws (see: "Harmon Killebrew"). I'd rather see Twins have an experienced first baseman with some height and wingspan to get us a few more outs. Polanco has trade value and reportedly some suitors. Let's get some value back where we most need it.

[Karbo]

IMO it depends on who they trade (if anyone) this off season. If they trade Kepler, then moving polo or Julian makes sense. If they trade Polo, problem solved. If they don't trade either, DH van be a revolving door. A lot of people are planning on DH being for Buxton. That didn't work last year so why think it will this year? IMHO Buxton plays in the field or he doesn't play!

[arby58]

I'm not in favor of moving either Julien or Polanco to first base. Offensively, they work from a comparative advantage standpoint at second, not so much at first. Arraez was a stop-gap measure at 1B, and Carew was a perennial All-Star. Carew's OPS the three years he played 1B for the Twins were .858, 1.019 (his MVP season) and .853. Polanco's last four years OPS were .658, .826, .751, and last year .789. Those are not first baseman numbers for a team wanting to advance in October.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Good thought-provoking article. It would probably work to shift Polo to 1B, but is it the best option? I see the pros and the cons. Depends on who is offered on trade for Polo.

[Jim wyllie]

Move royce Lewis to first and have brooks Lee play 3rd

[Doctor Gast]

Polanco was scouted as above avg. speed for SS which has quickness & athleticism. But Polanco didn't have the arm or ankles to play the left side. Yet that's where he played & suffered for several years & having ankle surgeries after some painful seasons. Polanco played hurt most of his career not because he's injury prone but because he wasn't allowed time off to heal which plagued his fielding & hitting. When playing healthy his #s reflected it. In '23 he didn't have ST when he started up he wasn't 100% & his #s reflected that but as he progressed in his recovery, conditioning, vamping up to find his rythym his #s trended upward. In '24 he should be 100% & able to play above average 2B & that's where he should play if he's not traded. IMO it's a waste to have him play 1B & he's not tall enough to profile at that position.

[Kirby Killebrew]

I like the idea. A HUGE virtue of last season was the versatility of the position players as nobody had to play 150+ games.  An infield group of Lewis, Correa, Julien, Polanco, Kiriloff, Castro and Farmer (?) would keep everyone fresh and involved and provide lefty/righty balance.  Also, Polanco is supposedly a great team leader/clubhouse presence.  If so, makes sense to keep him! 

[stringer bell]

49 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

Polanco was scouted as above avg. speed for SS which has quickness & athleticism. But Polanco didn't have the arm or ankles to play the left side. Yet that's where he played & suffered for several years & having ankle surgeries after some painful seasons. Polanco played hurt most of his career not because he's injury prone but because he wasn't allowed time off to heal which plagued his fielding & hitting. When playing healthy his #s reflected it. In '23 he didn't have ST when he started up he wasn't 100% & his #s reflected that but as he progressed in his recovery, conditioning, vamping up to find his rythym his #s trended upward. In '24 he should be 100% & able to play above average 2B & that's where he should play if he's not traded. IMO it's a waste to have him play 1B & he's not tall enough to profile at that position.

I do think Polanco has aged beyond his 30 years. He isn’t as quick or fast as he was five years ago and it’s noticeable. He’s adjusted and moved down the spectrum of defensive positions and first base would be the next step.

I’ve said before that he is an “old 30” (IMHO) and that along with the injuries is why I would think a trade is acceptable 

[Swing Batter-Batter]

2 hours ago, strumdatjag said:

It has worked for the Twins in the distant past.  They moved Rod Carew from 2B to 1B.  

They also oved Arreaz from 2nd base to 1st base.

[saviking]

4 hours ago, Linus said:

No. Move Julien to first if AK can’t stay healthy. Infield defense is better when Polanco is playing second base. I know what the metrics say but I don’t believe they are all encompassing. 

Unfortunately, that would leave us with two left-handed first basemen, Julien and Krilloff. 

I really like your idea, Cody. Can't believe I didn't think of it .. lol But all he needs to do is learn how to play first to back up Krilloff. In essence, it turns Polanco into a utility infielder for the right side of the diamond and DH. Lewis would be the backup shortstop (or Lee )if Correa were out for any length of time. Lewis, if Correa just needs a breather with Castillo moving to third. Castillo is a far better defensive third baseman than Polanco and has flexibility in the outfield. 

 

[palmspringstwinsfan]

Best idea in here in a long while. Keep Polo and use the assets returned from trading Kepler, Farmer and Vazquez to get a starter and a RH OFer 

[TopGunn#22]

Carew moved to 1B.  So did the diminutive Matty Alou when his speed started to diminish and his arm became so bad he was an even bigger liability in the OF.  Alou could certainly make contact.  A glorified Donovan Solano from the left side.

That said, Polanco to 1B doesn't solve any of the Twins problems for me.  I'd rather start working Julien out at 1B and put Kirilloff in a corner OF spot with Wallner.  Polanco and Kepler are going to be needed in a deal or two separate deals to fill holes in the Twins rotation and maybe add a CF.   

[DocBauer]

First, I have to object to the idea of Polanco being "dumped" for a disappointing return. If he's moved, he can be used for a SP or CF in different proposal combinations. He's not some toss in player. If he were, then why would we be debating about even keeping him. Further, even if he were traded for prospects, they might be used as part of a deal, or as replacements for other prospects we shipped out in a deal.

I love Polanco and am in no hurry to move him. But someone is probably going to go as part of a deal, and it's probably him. But if he's with the Twins next season, I like him playing some 1B for depth, at least. I think he can handle the spot from an athletic perspective. I still think/hope AK is the primary 1B. 

Could be interesting to see Polanco be a RH 1B option with Farmer taking over 2B on days against a LHP. But I just don't know if the budget can afford to keep both. (Castro can also help in this scenario). There are so many possibilities open at the moment that projection of a final roster is almost impossible right now.

But I have my doubts Polanco is going to remain a Twin much longer. But if he is, playing at least some 1B makes sense for depth. 

 

[D.C Twins]

No.... just....no

[DJL44]

3 hours ago, arby58 said:

Polanco's last four years OPS were .658, .826, .751, and last year .789. Those are not first baseman numbers for a team wanting to advance in October.

You probably don't want to look at Kirilloff's numbers for the past 3 years.

[gman]

I can see the decision of Polanco's future pushed off until Lee is ready. I don't think anyone expects Lee to make the roster out of spring training. Having Polanco on the roster to start next year is protection in case Kirilloff is not ready to start, or in case Buxton is not ready to start. Since there is no hurry to move Polanco, keep him unless someone blows our socks off with an offer and I don't expect that to happen but wouldn't say no either.

[Finlander]

I wouldn't ignore Miranda yet. He was injured last season, but he was a darn good hitter in 2022 and also before that while in the minors. He'll be motivated to return healthy. Let's see where he's at in the coming weeks.

I remember reading a proposal to try Buxton at 1B. That idea actually was more intriguing. If Bux can't play CF, it might be worth checking out. Having him as the full time DH with a .220 avg has clogged up the flexibility at DH that Twins had counted on with their roster. If he could get some reps at 1B, that might open the clog a bit.

[Parfigliano]

5 hours ago, strumdatjag said:

It has worked for the Twins in the distant past.  They moved Rod Carew from 2B to 1B.  

Thats 20th Century thinking.

[arby58]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

You probably don't want to look at Kirilloff's numbers for the past 3 years.

Kirilloff has 702 total plate appearances in MLB, and at least last year he was trending up at .793. That is not the case with Polanco.