The second baseman re-signed with the Mariners last winter after posting a career-worst .651 OPS in 2024, and he bounced back in a big way with 26 home runs, six steals, 78 RBI, 64 runs and a .265/.326/.495 slash line. Polanco battled through some injuries but was able to remain in the lineup as a designated hitter, with his 138 games played being his best mark since 2021. The resurgence was well deserved, as he posted career bests in hard-hit rate (45.8 percent) and average exit velocity (90.8 mph), and he reduced his strikeout rate nearly 14 points to 15.6 percent. He secured a two-year, $40 million contract with the Mets heading into 2026 and could see some action at first base following the departure of Pete Alonso. Durability remains a concern as Polanco enters his age-33 campaign -- especially given how limited he was at times last season -- so it's more a question of whether he can play through some injuries again in 2026 while still being productive. Read Past Outlooks