In this odd offseason of frustrating inactivity, the Mariners have turned to the starting second baseman they let go in December to play third base for the 2025 season.

An MLB source with knowledge of the situation confirmed that Jorge Polanco has reached an agreement with the Mariners on a one-year contract for $7.75 million pending a physical. The contract also features the possibility of a vesting player option based on performance.

Just over a year ago, Seattle sent four players to the Minnesota Twins to acquire Polanco to be their everyday second baseman. The Mariners believed the veteran switch-hitter would be an impact hitter at the top of their lineup.

But the former All-Star struggled to replicate his career numbers at the plate, posting a .213/.296/.355 slash line with 11 doubles, 16 homers and 45 RBI in 118 games. But the most alarming aspect of his struggles was a 29% strikeout rate that was the highest of his career.

Polanco and the Mariners attributed his struggles to his health issues. He battled knee and hamstring injuries throughout the season, going on the injured list twice. He had arthroscopic surgery in October to repair the patellar tendon in his left knee.

With the Mariners needing help at both second base and third base, why have Polanco switch positions? Well, his leg issues last season greatly limited his range and movement. Playing third base won’t require as much for lateral movement. Polanco has played 24 games at third base in his MLB career, including 15 in 2023.

If Polanco plays third base, it leaves some combination of Dylan Moore along with Leo Rivas, Miles Mastrobuoni and Ryan Bliss to play second base with heralded prospect Cole Young as an eventual replacement.