Polanco return – Jorge Polanco has not played since mid-April due to Achilles bursitis and a wrist issue, but the Mets are hopeful he can return as soon as next weekend’s series against the San Diego Padres—while also being told his return won’t come in Seattle.
The New York Mets have been waiting on one of their key infield reinforcements, and the calendar could finally start moving in their favor.
First baseman Jorge Polanco has not played since the middle of April because of Achilles bursitis and a wrist issue. The recovery has not been smooth, but there is now a clear window forming—one that could bring him back as soon as next weekend’s set against the San Diego Padres.
Mike Puma of the New York Post tweeted: “The Mets are hopeful of next weekend in San Diego for Jorge Polanco’s return,” adding, “It won’t be in Seattle, I was told.”
Polanco has also been setting expectations carefully. Speaking to SNY, he said, “There is no rush, I want to get back when I feel good.” He continued: “The main thing is to get better and to get healthy so I can help the team.”
Those words matter more now that the Mets are trying to arrest a season that hasn’t gone the way they planned. New York is currently 25-33 and sits at the bottom of the National League East, and as summer approaches the organization will be looking for any lift it can get.
Polanco’s absence has also been tied to what he was brought in to do. He signed a two-year, $40 million contract this past offseason to replace former Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. While he has already missed significant time, his production when healthy has not matched expectations. Across 14 games with the Mets, Polanco has hit one home run, posted a .532 OPS and a .179 batting average.
Before the move to New York, Polanco was a steady offensive presence with the Seattle Mariners. Over 138 contests with Seattle in 2025, he cranked 26 home runs, tallied 78 RBIs, and posted an .821 OPS. For his career, the San Pedro de Macoris native holds a .262 average and a .768 OPS.
The Mets’ hope is simple: if Polanco can return next weekend against the Padres. the timing could give the team a much-needed spark right as the season’s direction starts to harden. If he’s able to stay healthy and feel good on the field—exactly as he said—New York may finally get the reinforcement it’s been missing since mid-April.
Jorge Polanco Mets New York Mets San Diego Padres Achilles bursitis wrist issue MLB injuries Pete Alonso Mike Puma SNY