As the offseason unfolds, the New York Yankees are already busy assessing their roster and looking for ways to improve. Despite a disappointing 2023 season, where they fell short of the postseason for the first time in a while, the Yankees remain one of the most successful franchises in Major League Baseball, and their quest to return to championship contention begins now. With key areas in need of attention, including the infield, the Yankees have reportedly shown interest in Minnesota Twins’ second baseman **Jorge Polanco** as a potential upgrade.
Polanco, who has established himself as a reliable and productive player in the middle infield, could provide the Yankees with the type of stability and consistency they need to bolster their lineup and defense. While the Yankees already have a solid core of players, including star shortstop Anthony Volpe and veteran DJ LeMahieu, the team is looking for depth and flexibility as they aim to regain their dominance in the American League.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why the Yankees are eyeing Jorge Polanco, what he brings to the table as a player, and whether or not he would be a good fit for the Bronx Bombers as they look to reload for the 2024 season.
### Who is Jorge Polanco?
Jorge Polanco, 30, is a switch-hitting second baseman who has played his entire major league career with the Minnesota Twins since making his debut in 2014. Over the years, he has become one of the more consistent middle infielders in the American League, with a solid blend of contact hitting, power, and steady defense.
Polanco’s most productive seasons came in 2017 and 2019, when he was named an All-Star and established himself as one of the top offensive performers at his position. While his 2023 season saw a slight dip in production, Polanco’s track record suggests he’s still capable of being a valuable asset to a playoff-contending team. His ability to hit for both average and power from both sides of the plate, coupled with his ability to play second base, shortstop, and even a bit of third, makes him an intriguing target for the Yankees.
### Why the Yankees Are Interested in Polanco
The Yankees are coming off a season in which they finished third in the AL East, falling short of the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Despite a strong pitching staff led by ace Gerrit Cole, the team’s offense sputtered, and the middle infield remained an area of concern. While Volpe, in his first full MLB season, showed promise, the Yankees lacked consistency at second base and third base, especially after injuries and underperformance marred DJ LeMahieu’s campaign.
With these areas needing attention, Polanco emerges as an appealing option for several reasons.
#### 1. **Offensive Consistency and Power**
Offensively, the Yankees could use an upgrade, especially considering their struggles with contact hitting and plate discipline in 2023. While they have the firepower in the lineup to hit home runs, their reliance on the long ball often leaves them too vulnerable in critical situations. Adding a player like Polanco, who has a career .269 batting average with a respectable .781 OPS, would give the Yankees a more consistent bat in the middle of their lineup.
In addition to his average, Polanco is no stranger to power. He has hit 20+ home runs in three seasons (2019, 2021, and 2022), and while he only managed 15 homers in 2023, he still posted an OPS of .746. With Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right field, Polanco’s power potential could be maximized. He’s also a switch-hitter, which provides added flexibility for manager Aaron Boone when navigating matchups against opposing pitchers.
If Polanco can return to form and provide the Yankees with a steady bat, it would add an important layer of depth to their offense. He would fit nicely as a middle-of-the-order hitter, particularly as a left-handed option against right-handed pitching. Polanco’s approach at the plate—he’s capable of drawing walks and working counts—also meshes well with the Yankees’ focus on patience at the plate.
#### 2. **Defensive Versatility**
While the Yankees have some established infielders, there is still a need for depth and flexibility. Polanco has experience playing second base, shortstop, and even third base, which would provide Aaron Boone with the ability to move pieces around as necessary. This defensive versatility could be particularly useful for the Yankees, who have had issues with injury and consistency in the infield over the last few seasons.
LeMahieu, although an excellent player, has dealt with injury setbacks in recent years, which limited his availability in 2023. Volpe, as a rookie, still has some learning to do in terms of consistency and adapting to the demands of a full MLB season. Polanco, as an experienced veteran, could be an invaluable asset in helping stabilize the infield, providing a safety net for both the starters and the bench. His ability to cover multiple positions means the Yankees wouldn’t have to worry about an extended injury absence affecting their infield defense as much as they did in 2023.
Defensively, Polanco is not an elite defender, but he is solid. He has posted average-to-good defensive metrics over his career, making him more than capable at second base and other positions. His ability to move around the diamond without sacrificing too much defensive value makes him a valuable piece for a team like the Yankees, who place a significant premium on defensive stability.
#### 3. **Veteran Leadership and Experience**
The Yankees are a team with a lot of young talent, especially on the pitching staff and in the lineup with players like Volpe and Anthony Rizzo. However, they lack a true veteran presence in the middle infield, and Polanco’s experience could be just what the team needs. He has played in multiple playoff races with the Twins, gaining crucial postseason experience, and can help guide the younger players through the rigors of a long MLB season.
His leadership on and off the field could help create a more balanced clubhouse atmosphere, where young players can learn from an experienced veteran who has seen it all. With the Yankees’ championship window firmly open, adding a player like Polanco would add a layer of maturity to their infield that could make a significant difference down the stretch in tight games.
### What Would Polanco’s Addition Mean for the Yankees?
#### 1. **Depth and Flexibility**
Adding Polanco would give the Yankees crucial infield depth. With the potential to play second base, shortstop, and third base, Polanco would offer Boone flexibility to adjust the lineup based on matchups, injuries, or players slumping at the plate. This would be an especially important asset given the Yankees’ injury-prone roster in recent years.
#### 2. **Increased Offensive Production**
With the Yankees needing a more consistent offensive approach, Polanco would add a reliable bat to the lineup that could both produce average and provide power. His switch-hitting ability and versatility in the lineup would be a welcome addition to the Yankees’ otherwise power-heavy approach, allowing the team to create more varied offensive threats.
#### 3. **Defensive Stability**
Polanco’s ability to handle multiple positions would help fill any gaps that might arise due to injury or a dip in performance. The Yankees have struggled with injuries to key infielders over the past few seasons, and Polanco’s defensive consistency would help prevent any major drop-offs when players are forced to miss time. His reliability on the field could allow the Yankees to maintain their level of play, even if key pieces go down.
### Conclusion: A Smart Move for the Yankees?
Jorge Polanco would be an excellent fit for the New York Yankees as they look to make a deep playoff run in 2024. With his blend of offensive consistency, power potential, and defensive versatility, Polanco could solidify the Yankees’ infield, add depth to their roster, and provide leadership to a relatively young group. Given the team’s current needs and the relatively low-risk nature of the move, pursuing Polanco would be a smart decision by the Yankees’ front office.
If Polanco can stay healthy and return to his previous levels of performance, he would add a valuable component to the Yankees’ lineup. For a team with championship aspirations, adding a player like Polanco could help propel them back into contention in the AL East and beyond. Time will tell whether the Yankees make the move, but if they do, they could very well be getting a player who helps push them over the top in 2024.
