In a surprising turn of events, the Boston Red Sox let a rumored target slip through their fingers—but did they ever truly want him? Jorge Polanco, the free agent infielder who recently signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Mets, was reportedly on Boston’s radar. But here’s where it gets interesting: the Red Sox never made a formal offer. Was this a strategic move, or a missed opportunity? Let’s dive in.
Updated on December 13, 2025, at 5:09 p.m., the story of Polanco’s signing has sparked conversations among baseball fans, especially those in Boston. According to The Athletic’s Will Sammon, Polanco chose the Mets over the Seattle Mariners, who had reportedly made a “very competitive” two-year offer. But why didn’t the Red Sox step up to the plate? Sources indicate that while Boston kept an eye on Polanco, their interest wasn’t exactly high-priority.
Polanco, who posted an impressive .821 OPS with 26 home runs and 78 RBIs in 2025, could have filled multiple positions for the Red Sox—second base, third base, or even first base, a role he’s expected to take on with the Mets following Pete Alonso’s departure to Baltimore. However, his defensive struggles last season, particularly at second and third base, may have given Boston pause. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has made it clear that improving infield defense is a top priority for the Red Sox in 2026, and Polanco’s recent performance didn’t align with that vision.
And this is the part most people miss: while Polanco’s offensive stats are undeniable, his defensive liabilities could have been a deal-breaker for a team focused on shoring up its infield. But does this mean the Red Sox are settling for less? Or are they playing the long game with other targets?
With Alonso and Kyle Schwarber off the market, Boston has been actively pursuing other options to bolster their lineup. MassLive reported on Friday that the Red Sox remain in talks with free agent Alex Bregman about a potential reunion and have engaged in trade discussions with multiple teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks (Ketel Marte), Houston Astros (Isaac Paredes), and St. Louis Cardinals (Brendan Donovan and Willson Contreras). Free agents like Bo Bichette and Kazuma Okamoto are also on their radar. However, power hitter Eugenio Suarez appears less likely to land in Boston, as the Red Sox have yet to make him an offer and haven’t been aggressive in his market.
But here’s the controversial question: Did the Red Sox make the right call by passing on Polanco, or did they let a valuable asset slip away? While his offensive prowess is undeniable, his defensive shortcomings could have been a risk for a team aiming for a stronger infield. On the other hand, in a league where offense often reigns supreme, could Boston come to regret not making a more serious play for him?
As the Red Sox continue their offseason maneuvers, one thing is clear: their strategy is far from set in stone. With multiple irons in the fire, fans are left wondering who will ultimately don the red and white in 2026. What do you think? Did the Red Sox make the right move, or should they have gone all-in on Polanco? Let us know in the comments below!
