Jorge Polanco To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery

Mets infielder Jorge Polanco is set for ankle surgery and will miss the rest of the season, manager Andy Green told reporters, including Steve Gelbs of SNY. Polanco was placed on the injured list earlier today with left ankle bursitis. He’s struggled with the injury for much of the season.

The Mets recalled Eric Wagaman to take Polanco’s spot on the roster. He’ll likely chip in at first base and DH. The club also recalled righty Chayce McDermott. Fellow right-hander Jack Weisenburger was optioned back to Triple-A.

It’s a disappointing end to an underwhelming first season in Queens for Polanco. The Mets signed him to a two-year, $40MM deal to replace longtime first baseman Pete Alonso. Polanco was available for just 37 games. He slashed .148/.201/.230 while missing time with wrist and ankle injuries.

Polanco was coming off one of the best seasons of his career when he joined the Mets. The veteran hit 26 home runs and posted a 132 wRC+ as the Mariners’ primary DH in 2025. The performance earned him a healthy commitment from New York as he entered his early 30s. Polanco was unlikely to fill the void left by Alonso, but this season was certainly on the low end of potential outcomes.

Joining the Mets meant a position switch for Polanco, but it never really got off the ground. He was limited to just 20 innings at first base due to nagging injuries. New York has used eight different players at the position, led by Mark Vientos and Jared Young. The group has combined for a .665 OPS, the second-worst mark in the league.

The 31-year-old Young has compiled a solid season in his longest look in the big leagues. He has a 118 wRC+ with eight homers and three stolen bases across 248 plate appearances. With Vientos sidelined by a fractured hand, Young should continue to handle the majority of the reps at first base. Wagaman could also see opportunities at the position against left-handed pitching.