NY Mets made important commitment to Francisco Lindor, not so devoted to another

David Stearns speaks MLB Executive as well as anyone. He has a way with words that keeps him more neutral than honest. He spoke before the New York Mets played the San Francisco Giants on Friday about a variety of different offseason themes. He remained steadfast on Andy Green returning to the front office, no update on a conversation with Bo Bichette, and made an important commitment for next year.

Before the trade rumors of the winter begin to swirl, Stearns sounded confident that Francisco Lindor would remain with the Mets.

There was no “envisioning” or “that’s the plan.” The words “no question” made it non-negotioable. The Mets don’t have intent on trading Lindor. This definitely doesn’t eliminate the possibility. It puts to rest at least some of the speculation that the Mets will deal their star shortstop in the offseason.

Stearns wasn’t so adamant about another Mets player. When it comes to Jorge Polanco, he’s not ready to promise us anything.

We’ll be lucky if Jorge Polanco plays defense for the Mets at all in 2027

After two starts at first base, Polanco never grabbed a glove again for the rest of the year. The intention of having him work as a first baseman/DH hybrid was eyebrow-raising when the Mets first signed him. Unfortunately, multiple injuries led to Polanco becoming a non-factor for the Mets at the plate and in the field.

Polanco’s role next year probably will need to be one that requires some fight from the veteran. Consider him the Mark Vientos replacement on the roster with no limitations versus pitchers from one side of the mound. Some defense is a must to justify the contract although we should fully expect the Mets to hold him back and maybe even shove him aside completely if things don’t go well.

Interestingly, the Mets have room for improvement at Polanco’s former position. Marcus Semien has only been surpassed by Polanco this season in terms of how badly things went. With the Mets making no early promises on Polanco even grabbing some starts at first base, we shouldn’t expect them to ask Semien to take a seat for Polanco reps at second base unless absolutely necessary.

Justified or not, Polanco gets the courtesy of blaming injuries on his lousy season that yielded a .148/.201/.230 performance. Semien gets no such excuse. Judging Polanco on his 2026 season is almost unfair when trying to project what he can be for the Mets. But so was thinking he’d be the 2025 version. Impressive power with a 5% home run rate to go with his 15.6% strikeout rate, Polanco saw the home run frequency fall and the Ks jump up as a member of the Mets. Is that who he is? If so, the leash will be ridiculously short because if he’s not giving the Mets anything on defense, what’s the point?

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