Pirates Interested in Former MN Twins Infielder

It’s a weird world to think of the Pittsburgh Pirates being interested in spending money. Similarly to the Minnesota Twins owners, Bob Nutting has become the subject of ire for a fanbase looking to compete. With talent like Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz, though, they should be looking to add.

At 71-91 last season, new Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton’s former team actually had a better season than the 70-92 hometown nine. The Pohlads also don’t appear committed to adding additional dollars this offseason, and with the Pirates hinting that they will, the two franchises may be headed in different directions.

There are multiple holes for Pittsburgh to fill, but former MN Twins infielder Jorge Polanco is someone generating a level of interest.

Jorge Polanco a Pittsburgh Pirates free agent target

Last season, Jorge Polanco re-upped with the Seattle Mariners after a disappointing first year in the AL West, with the Mariners. Traded from the MN Twins prior to the 2024 season, he turned things around in 2025. Polanco hit some massive home runs this postseason, and he’s going to have suitors for a multi-year deal. Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic are reporting that the Buccos are among them.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, after expressing interest in first baseman Josh Naylor, are doing the same with designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, while considering infielders Jorge Polanco, Ryan O’Hearn and Kazuma Okamoto as perhaps more realistic free-agent options.

Free agents such as O’Hearn, Polanco and Okamoto also might shun the Pirates if offered deals by clubs more likely to contend. Which is why the Pirates also are actively exploring trades, checking in with the St. Louis Cardinals on their available left-handed hitters, Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Gorman, and also speaking with other teams.

The Athletic

For a team like the Pirates to go out and add, they’ll probably have to pay a premium after years of choosing to avoid doing so. The team hasn’t finished better than 4th in the division since 2016, and they haven’t won a playoff game since 2013.

It makes sense to build around Skenes and Cruz with both Bubba Chandler and Konnor Griffin on their way up. This could be a dangerous team in the NL Central if they play their cards right.

JORGE POLANCO IS JUST RIDICULOUS! #ALCS pic.twitter.com/vkairlteWX

— MLB (@MLB) October 13, 2025

Polanco just experienced a postseason run with the Mariners, and he’s likely to want a repeat. At 32 years old, and with a relatively riddled injury history, his career doesn’t have a significant amount of time left, however. The longtime Minnesota Twins fan favorite definitely wants to add to his career accolades before all is said and done.

Last season with the Mariners Polanco batted .265/.326/.495 while playing in 138 games. Even despite playing in just 198 games the two seasons prior, he’ll probably still find a pretty lucrative deal.

Pittsburgh is no longer limited by the National League not having a designated hitter position, and Polanco fits well there also. It remains to be seen where the Dominican Republic native will land, but it’s great to hear that he should have a robust market.