Jorge Polanco, veteran Twins infielder, joins Seattle Mariners – The Daily Guardian
Title: Minnesota Twins Trade Jorge Polanco to Seattle Mariners in Five-Player Deal
In a significant move during the offseason, the Minnesota Twins have traded infielder Jorge Polanco to the Seattle Mariners in a five-player deal, marking a new chapter for both teams. As part of the trade, the Twins received two major league pitchers and two promising minor league prospects in exchange for Polanco.
Polanco, who has been a regular part of the Twins’ infield since 2016, was the longest-tenured player on the team. However, with depth in their infield, the Twins saw an opportunity to strengthen their roster in other areas. Twins president of baseball operations, Derek Falvey, identified the need to add a starter, a reliever, and two promising prospects as the motivation behind the trade.
The Mariners, on the other hand, viewed Polanco as a “perfect fit” for their roster and were keen on acquiring major league pitching from the Twins. As part of the deal, the Mariners sent cash to the Twins, providing Minnesota with more flexibility for free agency as they look to add a hitter.
Polanco, a 2019 All-Star, has been a consistent hitter throughout his ten seasons with the Twins. In the 2021 season, he maintained a batting average of .255 with 14 home runs and 48 RBIs in 80 games. Notably, the Twins exercised Polanco’s $10.5 million club option in November, further highlighting his value to the team.
In return for Polanco, the Twins acquired two major league pitchers: Anthony DeSclafani and Justin Topa. DeSclafani, a 33-year-old starter, will now compete for a spot in the Twins’ rotation, adding depth and experience to the team. Meanwhile, Topa, a 32-year-old reliever, had an impressive season with the Mariners in 2021.
Additionally, the Twins received two promising minor league players in the deal. Outfielder Gabriel Gonzalez, a 20-year-old prospect, was ranked as the No. 5 prospect in the Mariners organization, highlighting his potential contributions in the future. Pitcher Darren Bowen, a 13th-round pick in 2022, displayed promise with a 3.88 ERA in Class A last season and was ranked as the Mariners’ No. 25 prospect.
The trade between the Twins and Mariners undoubtedly signals a significant shift in their respective rosters, providing both teams with potential improvements in various positions. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, the deal highlights the strategic moves and ambitions of both organizations as they aim for success on the field.
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