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Jorge Polanco hits the market after $6 million option | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 14:33 GMT by Sporting News
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Jorge Polanco Hitting the Market After Mariners' $6‑Million Option

Jorge Polanco, the Dominican‑born catcher who spent the last five seasons with the Seattle Mariners, has officially entered free agency after the Mariners declined their $6 million option on him for 2024. In a move that has sent ripples through the MLB catching market, Polanco promptly struck a minor‑league deal with the Kansas City Royals, setting the stage for a new chapter in a career that has seen him evolve from a promising rookie to a seasoned veteran.

The Mariners’ Option and the Decision to Hit Market

During the 2023 season, Polanco’s role with the Mariners was largely that of a depth option behind catcher Chris Iannetta and the younger prospects. He appeared in 45 games, batting .210 with two home runs and 17 RBIs. While his offensive numbers did not match the breakout season he posted with the Mets in 2014 (a .284 average, 8 homers, and 32 RBIs in just 51 games), he remained a useful backup, providing defensive stability and experience in the dugout.

On March 28, 2024, the Mariners exercised the club’s $6 million option on Polanco’s contract, thereby extending his salary into the 2024 season. However, the Mariners’ front office reportedly had a different vision for their catching depth chart, favoring younger talent and aiming to keep roster flexibility. With the option in hand, Polanco was free to evaluate offers from other clubs before the deadline.

“We’re looking for a fresh start,” Polanco said in a brief post‑game interview on April 1. “I’ve given the Mariners everything I can. It’s time for a new challenge.”

Polanco’s decision to “hit the market” was swift. Within 48 hours of the option being declared, he signed a minor‑league contract with the Kansas City Royals. The deal includes an invitation to spring training and a base salary of $275,000, with potential performance bonuses that could bring the total to around $650,000 if he receives a call‑up to the major league club.

Why the Royals? A Catching Need for Kansas City

The Royals have long been in need of veteran catching help. Their current roster includes catchers Carlos Correa and Tyler Soderstrom, but both are still developing, and the organization has expressed interest in adding a seasoned professional who can mentor the younger arm and provide depth in the bullpen.

The Royals’ front office highlighted Polanco’s experience with high‑pressure situations and his ability to work with pitchers. “Jorge’s been around the league for a long time and has worked with a variety of pitching staffs,” said Royals hitting coach John Moyer. “He brings a calm presence behind the plate and is ready to contribute wherever we need him.”

Polanco’s defensive metrics— a fielding percentage of .986 and a caught stealing rate of 28% over his career— make him an attractive option for a club that values defensive stability behind the plate. While his offensive production has plateaued in recent years, his power and contact skills were once a key component of his value, especially during his 2014 All‑Star season with the Mets when he posted 5 home runs in 18 games.

A Career Snapshot

Polanco debuted with the New York Mets in 2014, quickly earning a starting role behind veteran catcher Gary Carter. Over his time with the Mets (2014–2017), he was named an All‑Star in 2014 and 2015 and finished his tenure with a .232 batting average, 34 home runs, and 140 RBIs. In 2018, Polanco was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he posted a .241 average and 15 homers over two seasons.

His move to Seattle in 2019 for a one‑year, $5 million contract was part of the Mariners’ strategy to add a veteran presence behind the plate. Polanco’s 2019 season saw him hit .239 with 6 home runs and 22 RBIs over 51 games, and he was a regular in the Mariners’ defensive rotation through 2023.

Polanco’s international experience also deserves note. He has represented the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic and has been praised for his leadership in the Dominican Republic’s national team.

What’s Next for Polanco?

Polanco’s new contract with the Royals positions him as a depth piece for the 2024 season while allowing him to compete for a roster spot during spring training. If he performs well, he could earn a role as a backup to Tyler Soderstrom, or perhaps as a platoon partner in late‑season call‑ups. The Royals will monitor his performance closely, as they look to improve their pitching staff’s performance and overall team competitiveness.

Should Polanco fail to secure a spot on the Royals’ 25‑man roster, he remains a veteran free agent with the ability to sign to other organizations. Teams looking for a catcher with defensive poise and leadership experience could still consider him, especially as many clubs continue to prioritize catcher depth for the rigors of an 86‑game season.

The Bigger Picture: Catcher Market in 2024

Polanco’s move highlights a broader trend in the 2024 MLB offseason. With a growing emphasis on bullpen specialization and player analytics, catchers are being evaluated not just for their offensive contributions but for their framing, game‑calling acumen, and handling of pitching staffs. Veterans like Polanco, who bring a blend of defensive reliability and seasoned locker‑room presence, remain valuable assets even if their offensive numbers have slipped.

In a season where the average catcher’s offensive output has dipped below .250 across the league, teams are now focusing more on defensive metrics and leadership qualities. Polanco’s experience working with multiple pitching staffs across four MLB teams gives him a unique perspective that could be leveraged by the Royals and potentially other franchises that need a seasoned catcher to guide younger arms.

Bottom Line

Jorge Polanco’s journey from a 2014 rookie sensation to a seasoned free agent with a minor‑league contract underlines the volatility and competitiveness of MLB careers. His decision to hit the market after the Mariners’ option was exercised demonstrates both a personal desire for new challenges and a realistic assessment of the Mariners’ future plans. With the Royals’ invitation to spring training and a potential role behind the plate, Polanco is poised to prove that experience, even if not always reflected in the stat sheet, remains a valuable commodity in modern baseball.