New York Mets manager Andy Green confirmed on Wednesday that infielder Jorge Polanco will undergo surgery to repair a left ankle injury, effectively ending his 2026 season. The team placed Polanco on the 10‑day injured list earlier this week after diagnosing left ankle bursitis.
Season statistics and contract background
Polanco, 33, appeared in 37 games for the Mets before the injury sidelined him. In that span he posted a .148 batting average, hit two home runs and drove in six runs. The former All‑Star signed a two‑year, $40 million contract with New York in December, a deal intended to help the club replace first baseman Pete Alonso, who departed for the Baltimore Orioles.
Injury history and role with the team
Throughout the season Polanco struggled with a series of lower‑body issues, including an Achilles problem and the ankle inflammation that ultimately required surgery. Those ailments limited him to just two starts at first base, with the majority of his appearances coming as the designated hitter.
Before joining the Mets, Polanco built a solid career with the Minnesota Twins (2014‑2023) and the Seattle Mariners (2024‑2025). Over 1,125 major‑league games he compiled a .259 career batting average, 156 home runs and 576 runs batted in.
Roster moves following the injury
In the wake of Polanco’s injury, the Mets also made additional roster adjustments. Right‑hander Jack Weisenburger was optioned to Triple‑A Syracuse after the team’s 5‑2 home loss to the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night. The club recalled right‑hander Chayce McDermott and infielder Eric Wagaman from Syracuse on Wednesday to provide depth.
Implications for the Mets
The loss of Polanco removes a versatile bat and defensive option from the lineup at a time when the Mets are seeking consistency on both sides of the ball. While the team still has several players capable of filling the first‑base and designated‑hitter roles, the front office will need to assess whether additional moves are required before the season concludes.
Fans and analysts will watch how the Mets manage the roster through the final months of the campaign, especially as the club evaluates its long‑term plans for the infield and the designated‑hitter positions.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
