Mariners at risk of losing postseason hero over the offseason

Jorge Polanco stepped up in a big way for the Seattle Mariners this season. During the regular season, he played in 138 games, hitting .265/.326/.495 with 26 home runs and 78 runs batted in. 

However, his play in the postseason was heroic. He was the reason the club advanced to the ALCS after his walk-off RBI in the 15th inning against the Detroit Tigers. He would also be the hero in Game 1 of the ALCS, hitting the go-ahead home run. 

But the slugger has an option for the 2026 season, and he could very well be taking that hero prowess to another squad. Seattle will have a tough decision on their hands as it heads into the winter. 

Mariners at risk of losing postseason hero over the offseason 

Polanco is not the only key contributor the club is at risk of losing. Retaining Josh Naylor will likely be the team's priority, or finding a replacement for him if he decides to sign elsewhere. 

While Polanco played well, he will likely not return. After the numbers he put up this season, he could get that multi-year deal that he is searching for, via Sodomojo's Zachary Rymer. 

"Polanco vested a $6 million player option for 2026 back in September, and it's as good as declined after what he did in the regular season and in the playoffs."

Luckily for the Mariners, they have some good backup options if Polanco signs elsewhere. They could turn to either Cole Young, the club's top middle infield prospect, or Colt Emerson, another highly-regarded prospect. Or, they could look to acquire a second baseman on the open market, like Gleyber Torres or Luis Arraez. 

More Mariners news:

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• Mariners' Eugenio Suarez bids apparent farewell to Seattle as free agency looms
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• Mariners urged to pursue Red Sox' platoon bat in free agency
• Mariners' Cal Raleigh offers tearful 'failure' admission after ALCS loss