Scouting Report: Jorge Benitez

Summary

Jorge Polanco, signed to a 2-year, $40 million deal by the Mets, has struggled significantly in his first season. After just 14 games, he was placed on the injured list with a right wrist contusion and Achilles bursitis. He posted a dismal .179/.246/.286 slash line with a 53 wRC+ in 61 plate appearances. Spring training showed promise (146 wRC+), but the regular season has been disappointing. Contact quality metrics reveal poor performance with a 33.3% hard-hit rate (lowest since 2019), only 2 barrels on 45 batted balls, and average exit velocity of 87.3 mph (down 3.5 mph from career average). Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated Polanco is not close to a rehab assignment, though recent reports suggest some improvement with baseball activities and wrist in "a good place."