New York Mets
· 2026-07-08
New York Mets announced the activation of 13‑year veteran Jorge Polanco on July 7, 2026, just before the team opens a three‑game series against the Kansas City Royals. The move comes as the Mets sit 38‑54, 14th in the National League, and on a one‑game losing streak.
Polanco, 33, returns from an Achilles injury that sidelined him since mid‑April. The two‑year, $40 million contract was meant to give New York a reliable middle‑infielder and occasional first‑base option. In his limited 2026 action, he posted a .179 average over 56 at‑bats with one homer and two doubles. The Mets hope his career .262 average and 155 career home runs can translate to more consistent production.
Before the season‑ending injury, Polanco appeared in 14 games, struggling to find his rhythm. His OPS+ dipped below 50, far from his career‑long 111 mark. Still, his experience across 1,102 games gives New York a veteran presence that could stabilize the infield while the club evaluates younger talent.
Alongside Polanco, Luis Robert Jr. continues his rehab assignment and could join the active roster soon. The Mets also designated two players for assignment and selected recently acquired Matt Seelinger, adding depth to the bench. These moves signal that the front office is trying to maximize every healthy body as the season winds down.
The Mets entered the series with a 12‑16 loss to Kansas City on July 7, 2026. That defeat kept the club in the NL’s basement and highlighted the need for offensive spark. With Polanco back, New York hopes to generate more runs from the middle of the lineup and give manager David Stearns more flexibility in arranging the batting order.
Stearns hinted that Polanco could see time at first base and in the designated hitter spot, roles the team envisioned when signing him. If he can stay healthy, the veteran could provide a steady bat in the lower third of the order, allowing younger players like Pete Alonso to stay in the heart of the lineup.
At 38‑54, the Mets are several games out of a wild‑card berth, and the odds of a playoff push are slim. Yet every game matters for player evaluation and future planning. Polanco’s activation gives New York a chance to assess a high‑profile signing before the season ends, and a solid performance could influence offseason decisions.
The Mets will take the field against the Royals on July 8, hoping Polanco’s return adds a spark to a struggling club still searching for its identity.