On Monday night at the winter meetings, we got a somewhat discouraging update on free agent infielder Jorge Polanco. On Tuesday morning? The update is much better for the Seattle Mariners, who want to reunite with the veteran in 2026 - and beyond.

Let's start here and catch you up:

Last week

We learned that Polanco might sign early in the offseason, maybe even before the conclusion of the winter meetings. 

Monday night

Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reported that Polanco's camp was looking for at least a three-year deal worth at least $12 million per year. However, he also said that Polanco's camp really wants a fourth year.

Per multiple league sources, (agent Ulises) Cabrera has been pushing for Polanco to receive a contract of at least three years, preferably four with the average annual salary of more than $12 million.

Given Polanco's age (32 going on 33) and injury history (he played through injury for much of 2024), even three years is a tough pill to swallow, but four? That seems completely untenable for the Mariners.

Polanco is a valuable part of the lineup, having hit 26 homers in 2025, but a four-year deal worth almost $50 million just seems like too much.

Later Monday night

We addressed the Polanco situation on the most recent episode of the 'Refuse to Lose' podcast and came up with a contract structure that should, conceivably, work for everyone.

I would imagine that if the Mariners have $16 to $25 million to spend, I would imagine that the Mariners go to Polanco's people and say, "Look — we really want to give you two guaranteed years, but we will give you more money in those two years. You wanted a salary of at least 12; how about we give you 15? How about 2 for 30? And we'll give you a vesting option for year 3, where if you do X, Y, and Z, then you will get the third year."

That's where I think this is going to go. I think the Mariners want Polanco. I think the Mariners think they need Polanco. I think they know the money can work with Polanco, especially if they get a little bit creative. And I think that Polanco is going to come back to the Mariners. I— I do.

I was asked earlier in the chat what do I think will happen. I think Polanco's going to go back to the Mariners because I think the Mariners will give him the higher annual value contract. I think they have shown that they want him. They've publicly talked about it, they've put the full-court press on, and I think no matter who you are, I think players like knowing they are wanted. I think players like knowing they are valued. I think players like hearing that their team appreciated them.

So the Mariners have shown the requisite love required. I think the Mariners will give a higher value than Polanco's people are asking for. I think they will give him that third-year vesting option, which I think will be of interest to him and his group. And I think also Polanco has relationships here, and that has to matter at some point.

Tuesday morning

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic put the following out on Polanco, which bodes well for the Mariners on multiple fronts:

Free-agent infielder Jorge Polanco, another hitter drawing interest from the Pirates, might not jump at the chance to play for a club that has not contended in recent years, even if they make him the highest offer.

Polanco, according to a person who knows him, values comfort and winning. He has played for only two teams, the Minnesota Twins and Seattle Mariners. And he has made the playoffs in five of his last nine seasons.

1) If Polanco isn't simply looking for 'the most' money, that bodes well for the Mariners, and makes my "two years plus a vesting option" more likely to be accepted on his side. The M's can give a competitive offer with good guarantees, while also giving the possibility of more money in that third year.

2) If he values comfort, as we have thought also, then the Mariners provide that. He's already shown he can win in Seattle, can perform in Seattle, can hit at T-Mobile Park, and he has relationships with the clubhouse and coaching staff. That matters.

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