Jorge Polanco sends farewell message to Mariners after $40M Mets move; Victory Robles, Luis Arraez and more react

The New York Mets announced the acquisition of infielder Jorge Polanco on Tuesday. MLB insider Jeff Passan reported on Saturday that the deal is worth $40 million for two years. Passan also noted Polanco is expected to be a DH (Designated Hitter) or first baseman for the Mets.

The Mets had lost Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz to the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency. Last month, they traded Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for Marcus Semien. The signing of Polanco was the Mets' first major move after losing three big names.

Just hours after the Mets officially announced the signing of Polanco on social media, the infielder shared a single snap post on Instagram with a farwell message.

"#Godfirst. I cannot express with words how grateful me and my family are for the belief YOU had in me. First you traded for me and then you signed me when everyone else doubted me after surgery. YOU made me feel wanted and loved and I will be forever grateful for that. I became a better player and person because of YOU," Polanco captioned the post. "YOU embraced my wife, kids, and me as one of your own again, I will be forever grateful for that. YOU were an inspiration for me every night and I just wish we could have delivered you the trophy YOU deserve. I will always cherish my time with YOU. I will never forget these last two years because of YOU," he continued.

Polanco wrote that the "YOU" in the message are the Seattle Mariners fans, his former teammates, trainers, coaching staff, front office and the owner. He concluded with the popular Mariners rallying cry, "Tridents UP!"

Among the many who commented on the post were Logan Evans, Luis Arraez and Victor Robles.

"🫡," Evans reacted. "El viejo polo (English translation: The old polo) 🫡❤️," Robles wrote. "❤️❤️❤️," Arraez reacted.

Screenshot of comments [Image Source: Instagram/jorge_polanco05]

Jorge Polanco played with Arraez for the Minnesota Twins from 2019 to 2022. Meanwhile, Evans and Robles were his teammates on the Mariners for the past two seasons.

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MLB vet questions Jorge Polanco's first base fit

The Mets' President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, is confident that Jorge Polanco can easily fit at first base and other positions. However, Polanco played at first base only once in his 12-year MLB career.

Among the many who are skeptical about Polanco's first base fit is Ryan Spilborghs. The retired MLB outfielder shares his thoughts on MLB Network Radio.

"There's footwork, there's timing, there's the stretch. There's just a lot," Spilborghs said. "If he (Jorge Polanco) is strictly a DH, I'm totally okay with his hitting ability, especially as a switch-hitter. But the first base stuff just caught me off guard, I don't know if I love that."

With Pete Alonso's departure, Spilborghs thought Mark Vientos was the obvious choice at first base. However, it seems the Mets' front office has other plans.

Edited by Safeer M S