The Seattle Mariners lost the No. 1 remaining priority, and a recent playoff hero, this past weekend when it was reported that Jorge Polanco signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Mets.

Polanco had spent time with the Mariners the last two years and there was a mutual desire from the two sides for him to spend a third season (and beyond) in the Pacific Northwest.

Alas, Polanco took the best offer on the table from the Mets, which was made official on Dec. 16.

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After Polanco's contract with New York became official, Seattle shared a post on "X" celebrating the veteran second baseman and wishing him luck in his next stop.

Thank you, (Jorge Polanco), for helping create memories we will never forget. Wishing you the very best with the Mets!

Polanco also shared a message on Instragram (@jorge__polanco05):

I cannot express with words how grateful me and my family are for the belief YOU had in me. First you traded for me and then you signed me when everyone else doubted me after surgery. YOU made me feel wanted and loved and I will be forever grateful for that. I became a better player and person because of YOU. YOU embraced my wife, kids, and me as one of your own…again, I will be forever grateful for that. YOU were an inspiration for me every night and I just wish we could have delivered you the trophy YOU deserve. I will always cherish my time with YOU…I will never forget these last two years because of YOU.

YOU= Seattle Fans, Teammates, Trainers, Coaching Staff, Front Office, and Owner.I will always smile thinking of YOU all.

Tridents UP!

Polanco's first year in the Pacific Northwest in '24 was mired with injury, limiting him to just 118 games and a .213/.296/.355 slash line.

Polanco underwent surgery last offseason to repair a damaged patellar tendon in his left knee. Seattle brought him back on a one-year deal and the one-time All-Star proved that investment was worth it.

This past season, Polanco scored 64 runs in 138 games, and hit 30 doubles and 26 home runs with 78 RBIs. He slashed .265/.326/.495 with an .821 OPS. His batting average, home runs, RBIs, games played and RBIs were all the most in a single season for him since 2021 when he was with the Minnesota Twins.

Polanco also provided postseason heroics for the Mariners.

In Game 2 of an American League Divisional Series against the Detroit Tigers, Polanco hit two home runs against back-to-back American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. In the win-or-go-home Game 5 of the ALDS, Polanco hit the walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the fifth inning to send Seattle to its first American League Championship Series since 2001.

Seattle is still looking for an answer at second base with Polanco now with the Mets. The Mariners are reported to be involved in trade discussions with the Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals centered around Ketel Marte and Brendan Donovan, respectively.

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