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$40 million All-Star infielder named Mets' worst player of 2026
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- $40 million All-Star infielder named Mets' worst player of 2026
$40 million All-Star infielder named Mets' worst player of 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The New York Mets likely have a few regrets from last offseason.
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However, their plan to replace first baseman Pete Alonso after he signed with the Baltimore Orioles was quite the head-scratcher.
Despite New York 's hope to improve its run prevention, Jorge Polanco was signed to a two-year, $40 million contract to play first base.
Except Polanco had no experience at the position. For most of his career, he spent time at the two middle infield spots.
Plus, his first season in Queens was less than ideal. Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer went as far as to name Polanco the Mets' worst player of the 2026 season.
"Even sans context, a .148/.201/.230 slash line over 145 plate appearances is pretty dismal," Rymer wrote. "And lest anyone forget, the context in this case concerns how Polanco was meant to be Pete Alonso's replacement. Mets fans don't seem convinced."
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Polanco underwent season-ending ankle surgery in August. The 2019 All-Star with the Minnesota Twins finished with a -1.9 bWAR while earning $20 million.
If Polanco's 2027 season resembles his previous campaign, the Mets are in trouble. Based on this year's results, they'd be wise to target a new first baseman in free agency.
Rymer made the argument that right-hander Kodai Senga could've been selected as New York's worst player of the year, but he's had solid results since moving from the rotation to the bullpen.
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