As spring training draws near, the MLB Hot Stove continues to sizzle with the Seattle Mariners making a significant move by acquiring All-Star second baseman Jorge Polanco froGabrim the Minnesota Twins. In exchange for Polanco, the Mariners sent Anthony DeSclafani, Justin Topa, Gonzalez, and Darren Bowen to the Twins.
Polanco, who made his MLB debut in 2014 at the age of 20, spent the last decade in Minnesota. His standout performance came in the 2021 season, where he hit 33 home runs, stole 11 bases, and boasted a slash line of .269/.323/.503 across 644 plate appearances. Despite showing tremendous power, Polanco has faced challenges with durability, surpassing 600 plate appearances only twice in his career. In 2023, he grappled with knee, hamstring, and ankle injuries, limiting his playing time. However, the 30-year-old continued to display power, hitting 14 homers in just 343 plate appearances last season. Shifting to a more pull-heavy approach has allowed him to tap into additional power, albeit potentially capping his batting average upside. While not a speedster on the basepaths, Polanco is expected to contribute a handful of steals. With his power potential, he is set to become the Mariners’ everyday second baseman and a key hitter in the heart of the lineup. Despite injury concerns, Polanco’s current average draft position of 261 in recent NFBC drafts suggests he could be a valuable asset if he manages to stay healthy.
In return, the Twins received a package of players with potential contributions to their major league roster. DeSclafani, a versatile pitcher, has the opportunity to join the starting rotation or serve as a swing-man. Topa, a reliable middle reliever, posted a notable 2.61 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a 61/18 K/BB ratio in 69 innings with the Mariners last season. Bowen, a 13th-round selection in 2022, showcased promise with a 3.88 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 59/25 K/BB ratio in 55 2/3 innings in Single-A. However, the most prized addition for the Twins may be Gabriel Gonzalez, a 20-year-old outfielder and consensus top-100 prospect. Gonzalez impressed with a combined .298/.361/.476 slash line, 18 home runs, and 10 steals across 535 plate appearances in Single-A and High-A. This trade marks a strategic move for both teams as they shape their rosters for the upcoming season.
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