Twins deal 2B Jorge Polanco to Mariners for four players

League: MLB


Posted on: 30 Jan, 2024 at 02:22 AM

Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners acquired infielder Jorge Polanco from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for two major leaguers and two prospects on Monday.

The Twins received right-handed pitchers Anthony DeSclafani and Justin Topa, prospects Gabriel Gonzalez (outfield) and Darren Bowen (right-hander) and cash considerations from Seattle.

"From the beginning of this offseason, Jorge was someone we identified as a perfect fit for our roster," Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said in a news release "As a switch hitter with a long track record of success, he's also renowned around the league for his work ethic and leadership skills. We're thrilled at the opportunity to add such an impactful presence to both our lineup and clubhouse."

Polanco, 30, has spent his entire 10-year major league career with the Twins and is coming off a season that saw him bat .255 with a .454 slugging percentage, 14 home runs and 48 RBIs in 80 games.

In 832 career games, Polanco has a .269 average and a .446 slugging percentage with 112 homers, 181 doubles and 447 RBIs.

Polanco has played 501 games at shortstop in his major league career, more than any other position, but took over as the Twins' everyday second baseman in 2021.

DeSclafani, 33, went from the Giants to the Mariners in the trade that sent Robbie Ray to San Francisco earlier this month. He went 4-8 with a 4.88 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) for the Giants last season and owns a 54-56 career record and a 4.20 ERA in parts of nine seasons.

Topa, 32, played sparingly for the Milwaukee Brewers from 2020-22 before making 75 relief appearances for Seattle in 2023. He went 5-4 with a 2.61 ERA and three saves.

Gonzalez was the Mariners' No. 3 prospect, per MLB.com's rankings. Neither he nor Bowen has yet to reach Double-A ball.

--Field Level Media