Seattle Mariners Release Jorge Polanco and Luis Urias
Mariners Decline Polanco’s Club Option and Release Urias
On November 1, the Seattle Mariners declined their $12MM club option on second baseman Jorge Polanco, per a team announcement. Polanco will be paid a $750K buyout and become a free agent. Additionally, infielder Luis Urias went unclaimed on outright waivers and elected free agency.
Seattle’s Roster Management
The Mariners’ 40-man roster now stands at 36 players, following these moves. The team’s decision to release Polanco and Urias allows management to focus on potentiating these players’ free agency options. They can now pursue alternatives to fill these open positions in the lineup.
Background of the Developments
The Mariners acquired the switch-hitting Polanco from the Minnesota Twins last offseason. The trade included the release of Justin Topa and players like Anthony DeSclafani, expectation being that Polanco would bring stability to the second base position. However, Polanco’s expected resurgence did not materialize, leading to his underwhelming performance this season.
Jorge Polanco’s Performance Preview
Mid- season Struggles
Polanco, known for his consistent performance at the bat, had a dismal start to the season (.197/.285/.298 in the first three months). However, he picked up his pace in July, albeit too late to save a below-average season (.213 batting average, .298 on-base percentage). His .355 slugging percentage was a point higher than his career-worst .354 from his shortened 2020 season.
Injury Concerns
The Goods of Jorge Polanco’s subpar performance were exacerbated by knee troubles, reportedly due to a strained patellar tendon. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Polanco will undergo knee surgery. This suggests that with rehabilitation and recovery time, Polanco could return to form in time for Opening Day 2025, potentially commanding a one-year deal with incentives this offseason.
Luis Urias’ Future Outlook
Previously Unclaimed on Waivers
This is not Urias’ first encounter with the Mariners’ waiver process. However, he decided to accept an outright assignment this round rather than elect free agency, as doing so would have required forfeiting the remainder of his salary. Now, no longer possessing a guaranteed deal, his arbitration-eligible status projects a $5MM salary, making an offer-millions scenario unlikely for the Mariners.
Performance and Potential
The 27-year-old Urias, a former top prospect for the Padres and the Brewers, faced significant downturns in his performance in 2023 (combined .288/.421/.505 in 2021-22). His 2023 statistical output, a .194/.337/.299 slash, and 2024’s .191/.303/.394, have caused a prominent decline in production quality.
Nevertheless, Urias is a capable utility infielder who can play multiple positions, including second and third bases. He may be attractive on a minor league one-way deal or a low-cost, incentivized one-year contract to a right-handed utility infielder in need.
Conclusion
The Mariners made strategic moves by releasing Jorge Polanco and Luis Urias, allowing the team to focus on reconstructing the lineup. Both players’ futures remain filled with potential—Polanco’s recovery holds promise of a major resurgence, and Urias may still find a secure landing spot on another team.
Now is the time for fans and interested parties to keep an eye on the developing shape of the Mariners’ roster and speculation regarding potential free agents and trades. Stay tuned for more insights on how these moves impact the upcoming season!
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