This season, Polanco slashed .265/.326/.495 with 26 homers and a 132 wRC+, which allowed him to return to the top of the second base position. Due to his performance this season, it comes as no real surprise that Polanco declined his $8 million player option.
Polanco is projected to make between $10-16 million per year this offseason, likely landing a deal somewhere between one and three years. Polanco could fill multiple roles for the Pirates, as his 132 wRC+ would’ve been the best mark on the team by a decent margin this season. With a relatively open infield, he’ll slot in at second base with ease.
The Pirates may look to go a larger direction this offseason due to the early reports we’ve seen, but if not, Polanco is a tremendous option for the club at second base. He’s one of the best bang-for-your-buck free agents, and there’s a good chance the Pirates are all over him this winter.
If the Pirates are looking to add some serious thump to their lineup this offseason, there’s a pair of Japanese sluggers coming over that could be perfect fits. The first of these is Kazuma Okamoto.
While Munetaka Murakami has gotten most of the attention from fans this season due to his tremendous power, there’s actually a good chance that Okamoto is the safer option. He’s slugged 30 or more home runs in all but two of his seasons in NPB, regularly posting a wRC+ above 130 as well.
Despite potentially being the safer option between the two, Okamoto will be significantly cheaper to add. There’s a good chance he only fetches between $12-17 million per season on a deal between three and five years. Given his status as one of the most prolific power threats in Japan, this seems like a bargain.