Mets Make Frustrating Announcement on $40 Million Slugger

The New York Mets announced Wednesday that they have placed veteran infielder Jorge Polanco on the 10-day injured list with left ankle bursitis, a development that further complicates an already frustrating 2026 season for both the player and the club.

Polanco, now 33 and in his 13th major league campaign, arrived in Queens last winter after signing a two-year, $40 million free-agent contract following a productive 2025 season with the Seattle Mariners.

The deal was intended to add a reliable switch-hitting presence to the infield, yet injuries have prevented him from delivering on that promise.

Polanco has appeared in only 37 games this year, limited by recurring problems with his left ankle and Achilles bursitis. He returned from an earlier stint on the injured list on July 7, but the discomfort never fully subsided.

With the Mets sitting at 57-70 and occupying last place in the National League East, the organization has chosen not to rush him back. Given the team’s position and the remaining six weeks of the regular season, it is unlikely Polanco will see significant action again in 2026.

His limited opportunities have produced disappointing results at the plate. Polanco is hitting just .148 with a .431 OPS, two home runs, and six RBIs.

Those numbers stand in stark contrast to the consistent production he provided in previous seasons and highlight how the physical issues have affected his timing and power.

The Mets have not indicated whether the latest setback will require more extensive treatment, but the timing suggests they are prioritizing his long-term health over any short-term contribution.

Meanwhile, the Mets themselves have shown modest signs of life. They have won four of their last five games and six of their past nine, offering a glimpse of the talent that was expected to contend this year.

Even so, they remain 11 games out of a Wild Card spot, rendering a late playoff run improbable. Polanco’s absence will not dramatically alter the standings, but it adds another layer of disappointment to a campaign that has fallen well short of expectations.

Attention now turns to 2027, the final year of Polanco’s contract. If he can recover fully during the offseason and regain the form that made him an attractive free-agent target, he could still provide value as the Mets look to rebound.

For now, however, his first season in New York has been defined by missed time and unfulfilled potential, leaving both player and team hoping for a healthier and more productive year ahead.