The Seattle Mariners made a series of bold moves over the past couple of seasons, and while the front office has reshaped the roster heading into 2026, there’s one name that still lingers in the minds of fans: Jorge Polanco. After a bounce-back year in 2025 that reminded everyone why he was once an All-Star, Polanco’s departure to the Mets on a two-year, $40 million deal leaves more than just a hole in the infield-it leaves a “what if” hanging in the air.
Polanco didn’t just contribute; he exceeded expectations last year after coming off a rough 2024. He brought stability, veteran presence, and surprising production to a Mariners team that was hungry for both.
And while he reportedly had interest in returning to Seattle, you can’t fault a player for securing a strong contract when it’s on the table. Still, his exit stings-and a recent development has only added salt to the wound.
The Gabriel Gonzalez Factor
To understand the full picture, we have to rewind to January 2024, when the Mariners acquired Polanco from the Twins. Part of the return package heading to Minnesota? Outfield prospect Gabriel Gonzalez-a name that might’ve faded from the spotlight for a bit, but is now making noise in all the right ways.
When the trade went down, Gonzalez was no throw-in. He was Seattle’s No. 3 prospect and ranked No. 79 overall by MLB Pipeline.
The kid could hit, had a strong arm, and flashed the kind of tools that made scouts take notice. But 2024 didn’t go his way.
Injuries derailed his momentum, and for a while, it looked like the Mariners had made the right call in moving him.
Then came 2025.
Gonzalez Rediscovers His Groove
Last season, Gonzalez reminded everyone why he was so highly regarded in the first place. He hit over .300 at three different levels in the Twins’ system, finishing with a .316 average and .862 OPS in 34 games at Triple-A St.
Paul. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed-especially when it comes from a 22-year-old who had to fight his way back into relevance.
As a result, the Twins rewarded him by adding him to their 40-man roster this offseason, putting him squarely in the conversation for playing time in 2026. He’s no longer a top-100 prospect nationally, but he’s climbing again. Baseball America now ranks him as the Twins’ No. 10 prospect, and MLB Pipeline had him eighth in the organization at the end of last year.
Spring Training Spotlight
Now the focus shifts to Fort Myers, where Gonzalez will get a real shot to show what he can do in Major League spring training. His previous stints in camp were limited-just 14 at-bats across two springs-but this time around, the opportunity is there for him to make a statement.
One of the biggest changes in his game has been his approach at the plate. Gonzalez has shifted his focus from trying to crush every pitch to making more consistent contact-and the results speak for themselves.
He hit .329 across all levels last year and struck out in just 14.4% of his 550 plate appearances. That kind of bat-to-ball skill is rare in today’s game and gives him a real edge in carving out a role.
Even more promising? His ability to hit left-handed pitching. Gonzalez posted a 1.022 OPS against southpaws in the minors last season, which could earn him a valuable platoon role-even if he doesn’t crack the Opening Day roster.
Defense: A Mixed Bag
Defensively, Gonzalez presents a bit of a puzzle. His arm is a cannon, making him a natural fit for a corner outfield spot.
But his speed-once considered a plus tool-has regressed slightly over the years. What was a 55-grade run tool in 2022 is now viewed as below average (45).
That limits his range a bit and may keep him from being a true center field option, but his arm and improved instincts still give him a shot to stick in the outfield long term.
What This Means for Seattle
From a Mariners perspective, this is one of those situations where the front office made a calculated move that made sense at the time. They needed Polanco, and he delivered. But seeing Gonzalez rebound the way he has-especially now that he’s knocking on the big-league door-adds a little extra sting to the equation.
If Gonzalez ends up becoming a productive piece for the Twins in 2026, it won’t erase what Polanco brought to Seattle last year. But it will serve as a reminder of how quickly things can shift in baseball. Prospects develop, veterans move on, and sometimes the trade that looked like a win can start to feel a little more complicated.
For now, Gonzalez is a name worth watching-not just in Minnesota, but back in Seattle, too. Because if he breaks out this year, Mariners fans will remember exactly where he came from.