Full Breakdown
Mets Place Jorge Polanco on Injured List, Likely Ending His 2026 Season
8/19/2026, 11:15:46 PM
Core Event
The New York Mets have moved veteran infielder Jorge Polanco to the 10-day injured list because of left-ankle bursitis.
Background and Recent Performance
Polanco, a former All-Star with the Minnesota Twins (2019) and a 2025 power hitter for the Seattle Mariners, was signed by the Mets on a two-year, $40 million contract to serve as the everyday first baseman. The move was intended to replace longtime slugger Pete Alonso at first base. However, Polanco’s season has been hampered by injuries, including an earlier right-wrist contusion and a left-Achilles issue that kept him out for nearly three months. He returned to the lineup on July 7, but his production quickly deteriorated.
Statistical Overview
Since joining the Mets, Polanco has appeared in 37 games, posting a slash line of .148/.201/.230 with an OPS of .431, two home runs, and six RBIs. His weighted runs created plus (wRC+) fell from 51 in his first 61 plate appearances to –1 in his final 84 appearances, including a career-worst 0-for-26 stretch. Advanced metrics rank his 2026 fWAR at –1.4, tying him with the league’s lowest performers. By contrast, teammate Pete Alonso has rebounded to a .854 OPS with 28 home runs after a slow start.
Team Response and Roster Moves
Following Polanco’s IL placement, the Mets recalled first-base prospect Eric Wagaman from Triple-A Syracuse. Wagaman had been batting .190/.277/.333 in 47 major-league plate appearances before his demotion. The club also optioned reliever Jack Weisenburger to Triple-A and promoted right-hander Chayce McDermott to provide a fresh arm for the bullpen. These moves aim to stabilize a lineup that has struggled to generate offense throughout a season in which the Mets sit last in the National League East with a 57-70 record.
Implications for the Mets’ Season
Polanco’s contract guarantees him $23 million in 2027, but his limited impact this year has contributed to the Mets’ 11-game deficit in the Wild Card race. While the team has shown brief offensive sparks—winning four of its last five games and six of its last nine—the loss of a planned everyday first baseman reduces depth at a position already occupied by Alonso and emerging players such as Christopher Morel. Analysts note that the Mets’ chances of mounting a meaningful postseason run are now minimal, and the organization will likely focus on evaluating roster construction for the 2027 season.
Timeline
- July 7 – Polanco returns from his Achilles rehab assignment but struggles at the plate.
- Late July/Early August – Mets place Polanco on the 10-day injured list due to persistent ankle bursitis and announce his likely need for surgery.
- Subsequent days – Eric Wagaman is recalled; Jack Weisenburger is optioned; Chayce McDermott is promoted.
What’s Next
The Mets will monitor Polanco’s recovery and determine whether he can return for the 2027 season after surgery. In the short term, the club will continue to rely on its recent offensive surge and evaluate long-term options at first base as the season concludes.
