The New York Mets signed former Mariners infielder Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million contract during the offseason, aiming to bolster their hitting lineup with reliable depth. However, after just 14 games into the season, the second baseman suffered a combination of injuries, a wrist and an Achilles, that have sidelined him from playing since April 14.
After securing the series win against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was asked about Polanco and whether the infielder was nearing a rehab assignment, to which Mendoza bluntly replied, “I don’t think so.” The manager’s comment has sparked a furious reaction from fans on social media.
Many fans called out the president of baseball operations, David Stearns, for poor business during the offseason, signing Polanco, whose playing time has been hindered due to injuries.
“Stearns absolutely destroyed this team and my desire to give a f— about this team,” one fan commented.
“Worst f—— signing… Stearns should be escorted out of Queens,” another fan commented.
“Boy Genius Stearns really outsmarted himself on this one!” yet another fan commented.
Other fans continued their attack on the management for making a poor signing, whom they touted as a replacement for the departing Pete Alonso.
“It isnt like we DIDNT KNOW HE IS INJURY PROBE. $40 m for Polanco for two yrs vs $155m for Pete for five yrs, who plays every day and gives you 100 RBIs and is a fan favorite. Just so 1B is open for Clifford if he makes it up next yr. For this alone Stearns should be fired,” one fan commented.
“Surely didnt need a 30 HR, homegrown, 1st baseman who was a GREAT Met. @StevenACohen2,” another fan commented.
““We’re not concerned”. Another “day to day to day…” This is the guy that the boy genius replaced Pete Alonso with, & said there would be no issue adjusting to 1B because he’s such an athletic SS. 2 games in he was already injured,” yet another fan commented.
Mets INF Jorge Polanco Gave a Rehab Update in Denver
Speaking to the Daily News in Denver, where the Mets are currently playing a three-game series against the Rockies, Polanco gave a rehab update while also stating how distressing it felt to be unable to contribute on the field for the team.
“It is difficult, but at the end of the day, some things you can’t control. I’ve just got to keep going, keep working, just trying to get better to get back as soon as possible, and just trying to help the team. But it’s difficult not to be there… I think the plan is when I come back, I’ll be able to do both play on the field and hit,” Polanco said.
Furthermore, reflecting on his injuries and the timeline of his return, Polanco said, “Both are close to being healthy. I’m just taking it day by day. The wrist is feeling better, the Achilles is feeling better, so I think right now, it’s just a matter of time. I’ve got to keep putting in the work.”
The Mets close out the series against the Rockies on Thursday before traveling to Phoenix, AZ, to commence a three-game series against the Diamondbacks at Chase Field starting Friday.
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