The Seattle Mariners have officially made the first “big” move of the offseason.

After much debate over whether or not the team would choose to bring him back due to his injury issues, the Seattle Mariners declined the second baseman and All-Star’s $12 million option 2019 Jorge Polanco Friday.

Polanco will receive a $750,000 buyout from the Mariners due to the team declining his option. The team’s roster, made up of 40 players, now has 36 players.

Seattle traded for Polanco from the Minnesota Twins on January 29, 2024, in an effort to understand the team’s perpetual gap at second base. The Mariners have been trying to find an answer at the position since trading Robinson Cano to the New York Mets in 2018.

Polanco had a bad season by all accounts, although it wasn’t entirely his fault.

The 11-year MLB veteran was dealing with a lingering knee injury during the second half of the season and was placed on the 10-day injured list earlier in the year due to a hamstring injury. Leggings.

Polanco underwent surgery to repair a damaged patella tendon after the season ended.

Polanco averaged just .213 this year with 16 homers and 45 RBIs. His defense has also taken a step back.

Polanco had -10 outs above average, which ranks only in the second percentile in the league according to Baseball scholar.

Polanco is a switch-hitter with 20 home run power. He would have been ready to return by spring training after his surgery.

Seattle will now look for an answer at second base while Polanco tries to find a new home.

The Mariners have several avenues to explore to fill the void at second base. And time will tell whether one of those paths involves pursuing a free agent or doing a trade.

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