According to a recent report from The Athletic, the Pittsburgh Pirates are interested in free agent Jorge Polanco this offseason. The Seattle Mariners also have interest in bringing Polanco back after hit .265 with 26 home runs and 78 RBIs in 2025.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, after expressing interest in first baseman Josh Naylor, are doing the same with designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, while considering infielders Jorge Polanco, Ryan O’Hearn and Kazuma Okamoto as perhaps more realistic free-agent options.

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Polanco had a great year for the Mariners, serving as an anchor in the middle of the order along with Julio Rodriguez, Cal Raleigh and Josh Naylor (once he was acquired). In addition to his big regular season, he also put together a clutch postseason, hitting two home runs off Tarik Skubal in the American League Division Series, and having game-winning RBIs in the first two games of the ALCS.

He’s 32 years old and will turn 33 in July. He’s been projected to get a two or three-year deal.

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Well, there’s a few theories at play here. On the surface, the Pirates are tired of finishing last in the National League Central and they want to maximize the time they have with Paul Skenes, who has four years left of team control.

Under the surface? The Athletic outlines how the Pirates could draw the ire of the MLB Players Association for not spending enough money. Pittsburgh could look to spend to alleviate the possibility of grievances this winter. Signing Polanco would raise payroll, show a good faith effort, and not saddle them with a huge contract for years.

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“There is a possibility of a fight among clubs over revenue sharing, with the smaller markets seeing a greater contribution,” agent Seth Levinson said. “The payors (large-market clubs) will argue that insufficient revenue-sharing funds are being spent on player acquisition.

“Hence, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the smaller markets compete for talent in the free-agent market to convince the payors that they are committed to putting a better product on the field.”

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Every player in baseball is motivated by something different, so it really comes down to personal choice. If Polanco is motivated by money? Then Pittsburgh may be willing to give the most. If he’s motivated by winning? The Mariners clearly have the better chance to do that.

Is he motivated by opportunity? The Pirates would likely use him as an everyday second baseman, while the Mariners would likely give him substantial time at DH. How does he view that? Only he knows.

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LATEST PODCAST IS OUT: Brady Farkas is back for the the latest episode of the Refuse to Lose podcast! He covers the Josh Naylor news from every angle including the message it sends to the clubhouse and fanbase. Also, what’s next for Seattle? LISTEN HERE:

COLT TIME in 2026? According to a new report from Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, Colt Emerson could win the starting third base job in 2026. Here’s the positive – and negative – of that. CLICK HERE:

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HOW ABOUT COLE? If Colt Emerson could also win the starting 2B job, what does that mean for Cole Young? CLICK HERE:

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