MARINERS PICK-UP POLANCO
The Seattle Mariners acquired infielder Jorge Polanco from the Minnesota Twins for pitchers Justin Topa, Anthony DeSclafani and Darren Bowen, outfielder Gabriel Gonzalez and cash.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners continue to revamp their lineup with the addition of Polanco. Known more as an offensive player, the switch-hitting Polanco should add plenty of pop and run-producing ability to Seattle's revamped lineup in 2024. Expect him to play second base (he was likely to play third base had he remained with the Twins) and hit anywhere from third to fifth in Seattle's new-look lineup. Polanco is the best player in this trade and instantly increases the Mariners chances of staying competitive in the very competitive AL West. The M's gave up a lot here, as both Topa and DeSclafani are serviceable pitchers, Gonzalez looks like a quality prospect, Bowen adds pitching depth and they even included money to complete this deal. Clearly, Seattle wanted Polanco badly.
What does it give the Minnesota Twins
Since the Twins boast up-and-coming young infielders, Polanco became expendable. The Twins decided to deal from a position of strength to address their pitching weaknesses. Topa should become one of the Twins' setup men in front of Jhoan Duran, while DeSclafani has a much better chance of starting in Minnesota than he did in Seattle. Bowen is a young pitcher with years of development in front of him. The player with the most potential in this trade might just be Gonzalez. Signed as a international free agent in 2021, the 20-year-old is a contact hitter with a chance to add more power as he matures. The cash Minnesota received is to help with the money left on DeSclafani's contract. The Twins got a lot in this trade.
Fantasy impact
Polanco has the most fantasy value out of any player in this deal. If he can stay healthy, expect his numbers to be closer to the .269 average, 33 home runs and 98 RBI he had during the 2022 season (rather than his injury-riddled 2023). DeSclafani also comes with injury concerns but his value should increase now that he is on a good Minnesota team. He should crack Minnesota's rotation. Topa will not get many save opportunities, so his fantasy impact is limited. As for Gonzalez, ranked as the No. 79 prospect in all of baseball according to MLB.com, he could have a bright future if he continues to develop. He is on the keeper radar. Bowen looks like a throw-in at this point.
