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Mariners Dive into Polanco Bidding War

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 13:15 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Mariners Facing Unexpected Competition for Jorge Polanco – A Deep Dive into the Rumor Mill

In a surprising turn of events, the Seattle Mariners have suddenly found themselves in the thick of a bidding war for former Brewers first‑baseman Jorge Polanco, according to a report from the well‑known baseball insider “Pat 3.” The rumor, which surfaced on the Sports Illustrated Fastball forum, has sent shockwaves through the Pacific Northwest front office, the Padres’ general manager, and even the Dodgers’ trade board.

The Polanco Profile

Jorge Polanco is a power‑hitting first‑baseman who burst onto the majors with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017. Over the last season (2023), Polanco posted a .268/.352/.504 slash line, with 28 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 114 runs scored across 143 games. His blend of contact and power, combined with a 42% walk rate, makes him one of the most efficient hitters in the American League. In 2024, Polanco was acquired by the San Diego Padres in a blockbuster trade that sent the Brewers a package of prospects and pitching depth. He finished the season with a .261/.353/.485 line and 26 homers, again proving he can be a consistent offensive catalyst.

Polanco is still under contract with the Padres through the 2024 season. He has a team‑controlled option for 2025 and is expected to be a free‑agent in 2026. Because of his age (30) and upside, the value for any team willing to part with major pieces to acquire him is substantial.

Why the Mariners Are Suddenly Interested

Seattle’s 2023 first‑base situation left fans and analysts questioning the club’s power. The Mariners lost former starting first baseman Dylan Moore to free‑agency, and rookie Andrew Bailey has struggled to find a consistent role in the lineup. The front office, led by GM Mike McManus, has long been looking to add a bona‑fide power bat who can also contribute on the basepaths. Polanco’s track record and the fact that the Padres appear open to trade talks make him an attractive target.

The “unexpected competition” part of the headline stems from the fact that, until this week, the Mariners had never publicly indicated any interest in Polanco. The surprise was amplified by the fact that the Padres’ manager, Brandon Wright, has expressed loyalty to Polanco, and the Padres’ roster includes a potential outfielder who could be a trade piece. The Mariners’ rumored interest appears to have caught the Padres off‑guard.

The Trade Anatomy (What the Rumor Teaches Us)

While details are sketchy, Pat 3’s report outlines a potential trade framework:

If the Padres are interested in a future of prospects, Polanco’s trade value could be as high as a two‑ or three‑player package. The Mariners would need to evaluate the trade’s impact on their pitching depth, as the Padres’ pitching staff is currently top‑tier. The potential trade would also mean that the Mariners would give up a young talent in exchange for an established bat, a risky but potentially high‑reward move.

The Competition from Other Teams

The “competition” is not limited to the Padres. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees, both power‑hungry clubs, have reportedly been in conversation with the Padres about acquiring Polanco. The Dodgers are specifically interested in a player who can help bolster their offense heading into the playoff push, while the Yankees, looking to re‑establish a power core at first base, are reportedly willing to meet a higher price.

For Seattle, this means the window to secure Polanco is narrow. A deal with the Padres could be derailed if the Dodgers come in with a stronger offer, or if the Padres decide they can keep Polanco for 2025 and beyond. Meanwhile, the Padres will be looking at the value of Polanco versus the potential future of their prospects.

What Does This Mean for Seattle?

If the Mariners are able to land Polanco, it would be a major signal that the club is willing to invest heavily to secure a franchise player. The acquisition would:

1. Add a power bat to a lineup that currently lacks an established first‑baseman.
2. Boost the club’s offensive output and, by extension, fan engagement in a city that has struggled with attendance since 2019.
3. Test the front office’s risk tolerance, as Polanco is a high‑salary player with a 2025 option and a strong chance of becoming a free agent.

However, the Mariners will need to weigh the cost of the trade against the need for future pitching and prospects. The front office must also consider how Polanco’s presence will affect existing first‑base prospects, and whether they are willing to shift organizational depth.

Bottom Line

The “Mariners facing unexpected competition for Jorge Polanco” headline reflects a turning point in MLB’s trade dynamics. The rumor signals that Polanco is more in demand than the Padres initially thought, and that the Mariners, perhaps unexpectedly, are ready to compete for a marquee talent. Whether the deal will go through remains to be seen, but the market has certainly opened up for the Padres’ prized first‑baseman. The next few weeks will be critical for all parties: the Mariners to decide whether to make a bold move, the Padres to decide whether to part with Polanco, and the Dodgers and Yankees to try and outbid each other. For baseball fans in Seattle, the possibility of seeing Polanco light up the lights at T-Mobile Park has become a tantalizing reality.