The Seattle Mariners have brought back Josh Naylor, but with Eugenio Suarez and Jorge Polanco still free agents, the Mariners still have some work to do this winter.
Adding Polanco back to the roster would be a huge move for the Mariners to make, as it would guarantee a key slugger is back in the fold for years to come. But, they aren't the only teams vying for Polanco.
However, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic shared a report on Polanco's preferences in free agency that is good news for the Mariners this winter.
Mariners get good news on Jorge Polanco amid free agent preference
"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." Rosenthal writes, "Polanco, according to a person who knows him, values comfort and winning."
The Pittsburgh Pirates have shown interest in Polanco, but this report from Rosenthal indicates that the Mariners, or any other top contender in recent years, would have a distinct advantage in contract talks.
While the Mariners would still need to offer a competitive contract, they could land Polanco with a smaller contract if his only other options aren't contenders.
More: Mariners could turn to 'wild card' option if Jorge Polanco leaves in free agency
Keeping Polanco in Seattle looks to be a bit easier than it could've been, as he values winning more strongly than a lot of other top free agents.
He's not chasing just money; he wants to contend for a World Series, and returning to the Mariners would be a great way to do so. Coming one game away from the World Series, Polanco has plenty of reason to choose the Mariners over the Pirates or other MLB teams.
The 32-year-old infielder, who last was an All-Star in 2019, won't be extremely expensive, but after an.821 OPS 2025 season, the Mariners should try to re-sign him to a multi-year deal.
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