Oct 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners infielder Jorge Polanco (7) singles in the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game two of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Angels Linked to Mariners' Breakout Star in Free Agency

Originally posted on Los Angeles Angels on SI
By Jason Fray | Last updated Nov 5, 2025 2:21 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels have been caught between a rock and a proverbial hard place over the last decade.

Saddled with the longest postseason drought in the big leagues, the aim this offseason should be trying to acquire veteran players with proven track records. The team has operated somewhat in a "halfway in/halfway out" mindset recently where moves are made to indicate trying to win — while others completely contradict that premise.

The idea is that athletes with this sort of profile can be sprinkled in among the crop of younger players on the ballclub with the hopes that the two parties can mesh appropriately chemistry-wise and tactically.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com believes that the Angels will be in on Seattle Mariners free agent infielder Jorge Polanco. The Colorado Rockies and the Minnesota Twins have also been identified as possible fits for the veteran. Feinsand ranks Polanco as the No. 24 available free agent this cycle.

Most hard-hit balls, 2025 postseason:

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR): 23
2-T. Daulton Varsho (TOR): 18
2-T. Jackson Chourio (MIL): 18
5-T. Jorge Polanco (SEA): 17
5-T. Alejandro Kirk (TOR): 17
5-T. Josh Naylor (SEA): 17

(Hard-hit: 95+ mph exit velocity) pic.twitter.com/nLam3HXHJn
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) October 23, 2025

"Polanco’s regular season already categorized 2025 as a success, as he rebounded with 26 home runs, 78 RBIs, an .821 OPS and 134 OPS+ in 138 games. But the veteran took his game to another level in October, producing game-winning hits in three consecutive contests while helping the Mariners reach the ALCS. Polanco is expected to decline his $6 million player option to test free agency for a second consecutive offseason."

Polanco does check several boxes for the Halos. For one, he's a proven performer both during the regular season as well as in the postseason. Polanco has accrued double-digit homer totals in six of the last seven seasons.

The advanced analytical breakdown indicates a player that ranks in the 89th percentile in squaring the baseball up. Polanco also doesn't strike out a ton — rating in the 83rd percentile in strikeout percentage.

While not a great fielder or base stealer at this stage in his career, the Angels surely would be bringing Polanco in to be a middle-of-the-order bat. At 32 years of age, there's a world where he cashes in on a multi-year deal.

Poaching him from an AL West rival would be understandably beneficial, and Polanco immediately would be one of the more accomplished and proven hitters on the ballclub.