Mets' failed $40 million signing may be trade deadline fit for Mariners

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The New York Mets made some intriguing moves during the offseason, and very few of them turned out to be beneficial.

Others were confusing, considering New York's roster needs. One that stands out is Jorge Polanco's two-year, $40 million contract to play first base for the Mets.

Polanco had virtually no experience at the position before the Mets decided to sign him on as Pete Alonso's replacement.

Due to injuries, Polanco has only spent 20 innings at first base in 2026. The rest of his time has been in the designated hitter spot.

"Jorge Polanco entered the season dealing with an Achilles issue, landed on the IL in mid-April with a wrist injury and missed nearly three months before returning to the Mets a week before the All-Star Break," Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller wrote.

In 25 games, Polanco is hitting .149/.208/.223 with just one home run and a .431 OPS in 101 trips to the plate. With those numbers, it may be difficult for the Mets to find a trade suitor.

Mariners are one potential trade suitor for Polanco

However, Miller tabbed a reunion with the Seattle Mariners as one possibility. They'd be taking a chance that his bat could regain its form.

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"Goodness knows Seattle has struggled to hit left-handed pitching in 2026, but Polanco had a .305 batting average and .888 OPS against southpaws last year," Miller added.

With Polanco's struggles and recent injury history, it's hard to imagine the Mariners would be willing to take on his contract.

New York may be stuck with the former middle infielder.