Jorge Polanco

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

After a slow start to the offseason, the New York Mets are beginning to ramp things up as they look to replace core players they either traded or let walk as free agents.

Seattle Mariners postseason hero Jorge Polanco, 32, has agreed to a two-year deal worth a total of $40 million — pending a physical — to take over for Pete Alonso at first base after he signed his mega-deal with the Baltimore Orioles earlier this week.

Despite having never logged an inning in the MLB at first base, Polanco is reportedly expected to step in as the regular there, though he can slide into a designated hitter role, and has played all over the infield, providing the Mets with more depth in the lineup.

Last year, Polanco batted .265 with 25 home runs and 78 RBI, good for a 2.6 WAR during the regular season, according to Baseball-Reference. 

He then took off in the postseason for the Mariners, hitting three home runs and driving in five before Seattle was upended by the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games in the ALCS.

The Polanco signing gives Mets fans something to cheer about after the team traded away popular Brandon Nimmo, then allowed "Pistol Pete" to walk, and star closer Edwin Diaz signed with the World Champion Dodgers for just $3 million more than the Mets reportedly offered.

Polanco spent the first 10 years of his career in Minnesota with the Twins before signing with Seattle, where he averaged more than 26 home runs and 77 RBI over two seasons.

With more holes to fill in the lineup and pitching staff, it remains to be seen what plans President of Baseball Operations David Stearns and Owner Steve Cohen have up their sleeves as they look to make a big splash.