Mariners postseason hero could be Braves free agent target

The Seattle Mariners are just two wins away from the World Series, and a big part of their success has been Jorge Polanco, who could easily emerge as a top free-agent target for the Braves this offseason.

After hitting a pair of home runs and delivering the walk-off hit that sent the Mariners to the American League Championship Series, Polanco is firmly in the ALCS MVP conversation if Seattle finishes the job. Through the first two games, he’s already collected four hits, including a homer and five RBIs.

Polanco has been a revelation this season after a down year in 2024, when he posted just a .651 OPS over 118 games. That slump led him to settle for a one-year deal with a conditional mutual option for 2026 — an option he’ll almost certainly decline following his resurgent campaign. In 138 regular-season games, he belted 26 homers with an .821 OPS, much more in line with his career norms.

Earlier in his career, Polanco spent time at shortstop. That’s arguably the Braves’ biggest need heading into the offseason, though he hasn’t played there in several years. He’s primarily served as a DH and occasional second and third baseman for Seattle.

The good news is those also happen to be areas of need for Atlanta. Jorge Polanco could provide insurance at second base with Ozzie Albies coming off a career-worst season and another wrist injury. He could also backup Austin Riley at third if needed, given Riley’s recent injury history.

Designated hitter is another position the Braves will need to address this winter, with Marcell Ozuna likely heading elsewhere in free agency. Polanco’s switch-hitting ability makes him an appealing fit, particularly since he dominated left-handed pitching this season, batting over .300 with an OPS near .900. A platoon at DH featuring Polanco and Drake Baldwin could make sense, with both players capable of filling defensive roles when necessary.

Polanco has undoubtedly made himself a lot of money this October with the entire baseball world watching. But at 33 years old, he’s the type of free agent who should still fall well within the Braves’ price range this offseason.