Looking For A Match In A Jorge Polanco Trade
The Minnesota Twins are considering trading Jorge Polanco and are looking for potential trade partners. Polanco has been a consistent offensive performer and is affordable, making him an attractive option for teams in need of infield help. Let's take a look at some possible fits for a Polanco trade.
Best Fits
Blue Jays: The Blue Jays have a need in their infield after losing Whit Merrifield and Matt Chapman to free agency. Polanco could provide left-handed offense and be the everyday second baseman for the team. In return, the Twins could be interested in young starter Alek Manoah.
Cubs: The Cubs have a hole at third base and lack left-handed power. Polanco could address both of those needs and the Cubs could offer a young pitching prospect in return, such as Hayden Wesneski or Ben Brown.
Mariners: The Mariners have room to improve their infield mix after trading away Eugenio Suarez. Polanco could be an everyday player at second or third base for the team. While a deal may not include top prospects like Bryan Woo or Bryce Miller, a less proven arm like Emerson Hancock could be involved.
Next Tier Down
Brewers: The Brewers have significant needs around the infield. Adding Polanco would give a boost to their offense, but the recent departures of Brandon Woodruff and Adrian Houser make a trade involving a starter unlikely.
Giants: The Giants have a solid infield mix but have been linked to top free agent Matt Chapman. If they fail to sign Chapman, Polanco could be a fallback option. The Giants have young pitchers like Tristan Beck that they could potentially trade.
Marlins: The Marlins are always looking to improve their hitting with their deep group of pitchers. A Polanco trade could be similar to last year's deal that sent Pablo Lopez to the Twins. The Marlins would need to make some positional adjustments to fit Polanco in.
Longer Shots
Mets: The Mets have recently had a change in their infield plans due to an injury. While Polanco fits their short-term addition strategy, they may be hesitant due to his defensive limitations. They already have several lefty-swinging infielders.
Pirates: The Pirates are looking for a second baseman and the addition of Polanco could provide consistency to their young offense. However, the Pirates are unlikely to trade a rotation piece when they still have to catch up to the rest of the NL Central.
Royals: Trades within the division are rare, but there is a potential fit between the Twins and Royals. The Royals need offense and Polanco would be a significant upgrade. The Twins may be interested in a young arm like Kris Bubic or Alec Marsh.
