Former MN Twins Infielder Nearing New Deal

The Winter Meetings are underway in Orlando, Florida, and while a Minnesota Twins contingent is present, there’s little reason to believe the franchise will be particulary active. Reports suggest the team intends to build around its current stars, but their limited payroll flexibility remains disappointing.

When evaluating the roster, the bullpen stands out as the most significant area of need for Derek Shelton’s club. The infield, however, is in relatively stable shape, and Jorge Polanco’s time in Minnesota is long past. Still, the former Twins infielder is drawing interest elsewhere and may be nearing a decision soon.

Jorge Polanco Looking to Parlay Postseason Success Into New Contract

It has been several years since the Minnesota Twins traded Jorge Polanco to the Seattle Mariners. After a disappointing first season in Seattle, he rebounded in 2025 and shined in the postseason. Now seeking a new deal, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers believes an agreement could come this week.

Free agent second baseman Jorge Polanco, coming off a strong 2025 season with the Seattle Mariners, is expected to sign with a team during the winter meetings.

ESPN

Last season, Polanco played 138 games for the Mariners, posting a .265/.326/.495 slash line and a 134 OPS+, a dramatic improvement from his 92 OPS+ in 2024. He carried that momentum into October, homering twice off lefty Tarik Skubal during the playoffs.

Polanco completed the contract extension he originally signed with the Twins and re-upped with Seattle last offseason. He earned $7 million in 2025 before opting out of his potential 2026 deal.

Now 32, Polanco is likely looking at his final opportunity to secure a multi-year contract. While his injury history may limit the length, a two- or three-year pact remains realistic.

Can Byron Buxton Shake Things Up for the MN Twins?

Polanco isn’t the only name to watch this week. The Winter Meetings often spark significant movement, and Byron Buxton could be one of the biggest storylines. Buxton has expressed willingness to waive his no-trade clause if the Twins do not plan to contend. ESPN’s Bradford Doolittle even labeled him the biggest potential name on the move.

The inclusion of Byron Buxton on our trade candidates ranking took me aback, mostly because Buxton has been insistent that he will remain a Twin. It’s surprising that he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause, but Buxton is 31, and the Twins don’t seem all-in on winning. Several leading contenders could use a bump in center field — the Houston Astros and New York Mets jump out as clear fits — and if the Twins are heading down this road, dealing Buxton soon would start those dominoes to fall.

ESPN

The New York Mets continue to surface as a prominent suitor for Buxton, and they have also shown interest in starter Joe Ryan. Even though the Twins have publicly stated they don’t intend to trade their stars, that doesn’t mean other teams, or people inside the industry, believe them.

It would be stunning if Buxton’s tenure in Minnesota ended this week. Then again, very little the franchise has done in recent seasons has made much sense.