Three options for Mariners to replace Jorge Polanco after Mets' $40 million deal

Matt Sullivan

•

Three options for Mariners to replace Jorge Polanco after Mets' $40 million deal image

The Seattle Mariners, after making the ALDS and taking the Toronto Blue Jays to Game 7, are looking to build a contenting roster once again.

But Eugenio Suarez, Josh Naylor, and Jorge Polanco were all set to be free agents. Naylor came back on a five-year deal, but Polanco, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, left for the New York Mets on a $40 million two-year deal.

With Polanco off the board, the Mariners need to find a second base replacement for him in 2026. With a weak free agent market at the position, there are three clear trade options the Mariners should consider this winter.

Three second base options for Mariners after Jorge Polanco left for Mets on $40 million deal

The Mariners have Colt Emerson coming up, who could take over at third base or second base, and while Alex Bregman or Kazuma Okamoto could be third base options, the Mariners might be more likely to pursue a new second baseman in a trade. Fortunately, there are three solid options in the trade market.

Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks

The best trade option this winter is a former Mariner in Arizona Diamondbacks superstar Ketel Marte. He's under contract through 2030 and has a 2031 player option. His $105 million deal is reasonable for someone as good as he is.

Marte is 32 years old and is coming off a strong 2025 All-Star season. He hit.283 with an.893 OPS. In 2024, Marte had a.932 OPS and was one of the best infielders in baseball.

He's the most costly of the three options for Seattle in the trade market, but Marte is also the best option for the short and long term.

The Mariners are interested in Marte, and he would make a lot of sense for Seattle in a trade this winter. Arizona is seeking pitching, and Seattle has plenty to make this trade work.

More: Mariners could turn to 'wild card' option if Jorge Polanco leaves in free agency

Brendan Donovan, Cardinals

Another great option is St. Louis Cardinals left-handed hitter Brendan Donovan. He's a bit younger, at 29 years old, and is under contract for far fewer years (through 2027).

But, he's significantly cheaper on a contract and trade cost basis. The Mariners could acquire Donovan for a much more reasonable cost, and he would be a fantastic defensive and offensive addition to the lineup.

While his.775 OPS is worse than Marte's number, Donovan is a better defender and is still a solid contact hitter with a.287 batting average.

He's played in just four seasons in his MLB career, and while he's primarily a second baseman, if the Mariners need to, they could move him to the outfield.

The All-Star and Gold Glove infielder could be a great second base trade option for the Mariners after seeing Polanco depart for the Mets.

Brandon Lowe, Rays

Lastly, Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays would be a quality rental option. He's under contract for just the 2026 season, and won't be expensive to have under contract or acquire.

He's 31 years old and is coming off his second All-Star season. While he might not be the Gold Glove defender that Donovan is, or the overall hitter of Marte, he's a solid blend of both skill sets.

As a hitter, Lowe had a.256 average with a.785 OPS in 2025. But his first-half numbers tell a different story. Up through the All-Star break, Lowe was hitting.272 with an.811 OPS with 19 home runs and 50 RBIs.

But, in the final 50 games of the season, Lowe hit.230 with a.742 OPS and 12 home runs. He slowed down efficiency-wise in the second half, but he was still more than good enough for Seattle to justify trading for him this offseason.

As a defender, Lowe wasn't the best fielder, though he has some intriguing numbers that make him a perfectly acceptable defensive option.

More: Mariners' offseason plan after Josh Naylor signing revealed by insider

Which new 2B to pick?

There's a reason for Seattle to go with any of these three options. While Marte will cost the most, he's by far the best option. Lowe will be the cheapest, but his weaker defense and inconsistent hitting make him a bit more of a risk.

Of these three, Donovan presents a happy medium. He's not going to be too expensive, and he will be under contract for more than just 2026. Donovan is a good defender and a solid hitter who lacks power.

All three are realistic trade options for the Mariners, each with its pros and cons. With Polanco now in New York on a $40 million deal, the Mariners need to find a replacement, and one of Lowe, Donovan, or Marte would be a great replacement.