Article: Twins, Jorge Polanco Finalizing Contract Extension

[Tom Froemming]

Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reported on Twitter that the Twins are nearing an extension with shortstop Jorge Polanco. Polanco was set to make $575,000 this season and is currently under team control through 2022. Jeff Passan of ESPN reported the contract extension will cover seven seasons.UPDATE 1 We have some specific numbers being reported. Jim Bowden of The Athletic reported Polanco's deal $25.75 million over five years and include two additional option years.

 

The Twins have also reportedly reached a similar agreement with Max Kepler.

 

According to Passan's reporting, the deal would guarantee five years and include two option years. Phil Miller of the Star Tribune is reporting the deal is expected to guarantee Polanco $25 million over those five seasons. Details on the two option years are not known at this time.

 

2:25 UPDATE: Here are the details of the Polanco deal, per Bob Nightengale:

 

 

Less than a year ago, Polanco was suspended 80 games for testing positive for Stanozolol, a banned substance. When he returned, however, the 25-year-old had a productive half season for the Twins. His 110 wRC+ ranked 10th among the 38 shortstops who logged at least 300 plate appearances last season, per FanGraphs.

 

Since the 2017 All-Star break, Polanco has hit .290/.351/.463 (.814 OPS) with 16 home runs, 69 runs and 85 RBIs in 140 games. If he were to maintain that level of production, Polanco would figure to make a decent amount of money through arbitration.

 

With the Twins payroll surprisingly low heading into this season, could it be that we're going to see multiple extensions signed during spring training? Who knows, but that would certainly help explain why they were so relatively conservative on the open market despite there appearing to be plenty of wiggle room to be more aggressive.

 

Star-Tribune scribe LaVelle E. Neal III wrote earlier in the week that the Twins hoped to finalize a couple of long-term contract extensionsas early as this week. So this could be the first of a few deals.

 

The Twins signed Jorge Polanco as a 16-year-old from the Dominican Republic in July of 2009. No current player has been in the organization longer than Polanco. He signed on July 2nd. Nine days later, the Twins signed Max Kepler.

 

It seems with team starting to report to spring training we've also reached extension season. Yesterday, the Phillies signed starting pitcher Aaron Nola to an extension that has Twins fans wondering if Jose Berrios would take a similar deal. It was also reported that the Yankees have engaged in extension talks with starter Luis Severino.

 

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[blindeke]

Well it's a start.

[MMMordabito]

Just my opinion, but the "Breaking News" label should be saved for when the extension is actually signed and at least high level details are available.

 

I really enjoy Twins Daily, but I've seen a couple articles of late that seem to be tweet or assumption based view generators with little actual content.

 

There is an incredible amount of great content on this site.  I know last year the owners solicited feedback around this time about opinions. If this is the time of year that you all meet to discuss direction (possibly on a beach in Fort Myers), then I would at least have a discussion on the appropriate time to use "Breaking News" or when to generate a whole article base on some ESPN writer's assumption that because the Twins have payroll room, they are the mystery Bryce or Manny suitor.

 

I'm prepared to be flamed, but again it's just my opinion.

 

EDIT: I guess someone quickly agreed with me, or I was just impatient.  The "Breaking News" tag is now gone.

[zenser]

MLB Trade rumors said it will cover 7 seasons.

 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/02/twins-extend-jorge-polanco.html

[redstorm]

Posted this on the other thread, but will carry it over to here.

 

I'm guessing something like 5 years, $31M, with a couple team options for 2025 and 2026 that could bring it to 7 years, $59M.

 

Breaks down like this:

 

2020: $1,500,000

2021: $3,500,000

2022: $6,000,000 (last arb year)

2023: $9,000,000

2024: $11,000,000

2025: $13,000,000 (team option, $1M buyout)

2026: $15,000,000 (team option, $1M buyout)

Edited February 14, 2019 by redstorm

[Tom Froemming]

 

 

EDIT: I guess someone quickly agreed with me, or I was just impatient.  The "Breaking News" tag is now gone.

Just an FYI, it can take some time to fully build up an article. I will often use that Breaking News image as sort of a filler just to get the headline/basic info into an article and up on the site. Then I circle back and go grab an appropriate image specific to the article.

 

... but I also still would say this is definitely breaking news.

[gunnarthor]

I'm ok with locking him up since I think he can play second or even third in a worst case scenario. And it's a good sign to the other players that the Twins will lock up core guys. 

 

But this has been a pretty disappointing off-season.

[Mike Sixel]

Great!

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Yeah, so, second baseman of the future. Not bad; it's ok, Polanco is a very good hitter and adequate fielder. The Gordon ship has apparent sailed. Adjust sights accordingly.

[MMMordabito]

 

Just an FYI, it can take some time to fully build up an article. I will often use that Breaking News image as sort of a filler just to get the headline/basic info into an article and up on the site. Then I circle back and go grab an appropriate image specific to the article.

 

... but I also still would say this is definitely breaking news.

 

I completely appreciate your reply, Tom. I also appreciate all the work and writing you do. I think we probably disagree on verbage.  I'm totally nitpicking here, but it's something that as a reader I have to communicate.  I would use "developing story".  I think it just helps guide the reader better.

 

This is a big deal, especially since it's probably the first money on the books for 2019 and the first long term investment in the "new core".  I hope feedback is appreciated even if not agreed.

[NapoleonComplex]

I can get down with a Lewis & Polanco double-play combo. This likely means Gordon is the odd man out. 

[Miggy's Little Helper]

Explains why they didn't pursue Marwin.  Either he slides over to 2B or he becomes the super utility. 

[SF Twins Fan]

It will be interesting to see how Nick Gordon reacts to this signing. Does he have the ability to play anywhere in the outfield or is he strictly trade bait at this moment and the Twins are just waiting for him to have a hot start so they can trade him??

[scottz]

This is a very good place to start on extensions. Up next, Rosario, then Berríos.

[jmlease1]

I think this is a good move, presuming Polanco stays away from PEDs (a 1 year ban would SUCK). His hitting in the infield is a real asset, and I think he can defend well enough at SS to hold it down until Royce Lewis arrives and 2B is a more than viable option for him later in this proposed contract.

 

I'm a Polanco fan. He doesn't get the hype of other guys, but he's performed. You need guys like him as part of a strong core and while there's always risk in a deal this long, I think by the end of it we're going to think it was a steal.

[Blake]

Wave of the future? Fewer huge contracts late in a players career and, instead, teams start paying earlier?

[Thrylos]

Well worth it and a great deal for the Twins.

 

The greatest deal about this, however, might be that now that the Twins would have at least one person under contract after 2019, the conspiracy theories may cease and desist

[redstorm]

Looks like I was a little heavy on the guaranteed money, ESPN is reporting 5 years, $25M guaranteed.

 

http://www.espn.com.au/mlb/story/_/id/25995558/minnesota-twins-jorge-polanco-finalizing-seven-year-25-million-extension

 

 

Posted this on the other thread, but will carry it over to here.

 

I'm guessing something like 5 years, $31M, with a couple team options for 2025 and 2026 that could bring it to 7 years, $59M.

 

Breaks down like this:

 

2020: $1,500,000

2021: $3,500,000

2022: $6,000,000 (last arb year)

2023: $9,000,000

2024: $11,000,000

2025: $13,000,000 (team option, $1M buyout)

2026: $15,000,000 (team option, $1M buyout)

 

Edited February 14, 2019 by redstorm

[mikelink45]

 

I can get down with a Lewis & Polanco double-play combo. This likely means Gordon is the odd man out. 

Or it is Polanco at 3B, Lewis at Short and Gordon or Javier at second.  Mix and match and I am happy. 

[Mike Sixel]

No idea why so many think this is about Gordon. It's about signing a guy they like to keep him around. Probably at a reasonable number. If they like him, this is exactly what they should do, no matter who is in the minors.

[NapoleonComplex]

 

Well worth it and a great deal for the Twins.

 

The greatest deal about this, however, might be that now that the Twins would have at least one person under contract after 2019, the conspiracy theories may cease and desist

 

Sign and trade to keep his contract off the books 2020 and beyond. Conspiracy theory train keeps rolling.

[NapoleonComplex]

 

No idea why so many think this is about Gordon. It's about signing a guy they like to keep him around. Probably at a reasonable number. If they like him, this is exactly what they should do, no matter who is in the minors.

 

I wouldn't say this signing is about Gordon. Any long-term extension impacts the career path for other players that play the same position(s). Gordon's path, along with Luis Arraez now have more obstacles.

[wabene]

I like this move. Polanco's a very nice infield bat that projects well. I see a consistent and well rounded hitter.

[lukeduke1980]

I like Polanco as a hitter.  I am surprised however that the first contract extension signed by this administration would be to the player who was suspended for PEDs.  That's not to say they haven't been trying to reach one with Rosario, Berrios, etc.  It just feels a little off.

[markos]

 

No idea why so many think this is about Gordon. It's about signing a guy they like to keep him around. Probably at a reasonable number. If they like him, this is exactly what they should do, no matter who is in the minors.

I don't get it either. Polanco was going to be here for the next 4 seasons regardless of signing an extension or not. The front office wouldn't be making a deal with Polanco unless they thought it added long-term value for the team. So it's not like Polanco becomes unmovable in the situation where Gordon and Lewis both break out.

[bighat]

Heck yes. Extending the one of our best players who has proven it on the diamond. Eddie Rosario's next up, I hope. Lock these guys down.

[bighat]

 

 

No idea why so many think this is about Gordon. It's about signing a guy they like to keep him around. Probably at a reasonable number. If they like him, this is exactly what they should do, no matter who is in the minors.

 

And those added years of control will make Polanco a really nice trade piece if the Twins find themselves selling off assets. I hope it doesn't come to it, as I really like Polanco and I think any team in the league would be thrilled to be in the Twins' shoes with a middle infielder like him locked down.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

No idea why so many think this is about Gordon. It's about signing a guy they like to keep him around. Probably at a reasonable number. If they like him, this is exactly what they should do, no matter who is in the minors.

a "Twins extend Polanco" thread is a perfectly logical place for posters to bring up Gordon.

[dbminn]

Great deal for both teams. Polanco can hit, hold down SS for a while and be a very good 2B.

 

 

[bobs]

Love the extension for Polanco.  I doubt I'm alone in being excited to see what he'll do over a full season in 2019.  The organization has both Javier and Lewis (for now) as SS prospects.  If, after another year, the FO decides he isn't their SS going forward a move to 2B makes a lot of sense in 2020 or 2021.  Dude can flat out hit.