Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jorge Polanco

How Jorge Polanco built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jorge Polanco is a Dominican professional baseball infielder, currently a free agent, who previously played in MLB for the Minnesota Twins and Seattle Mariners. He debuted in MLB in 2014. Polanco was recognized as an MLB All-Star in 2019, highlighting a significant achievement in his career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Signed with Minnesota Twins

In 2009, Jorge Polanco signed with the Minnesota Twins as an international free agent, receiving a $725,000 bonus.

2010: Debut in Dominican Summer League

In 2010, Jorge Polanco debuted for the Dominican Summer League Twins and also played for the Gulf Coast League Twins, hitting .233./303/.294 with both teams. He was roommates with Max Kepler in Florida.

2011: Played with GCL Twins

In 2011, Jorge Polanco remained with the GCL Twins, hitting .250/.319/.349 in 51 games and adjusted his diet.

2012: Played for Elizabethton Twins

In 2012, Jorge Polanco played for the Elizabethton Twins, hitting .318/.388/.514 with five home runs in 51 games.

2013: Played for Cedar Rapids Kernels

In 2013, Jorge Polanco played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels, hitting .308/.362/.452 with five home runs in 115 games and was named a mid-season All-Star. He also played for the Leones del Escogido and was added to the Twins 40-man roster in November.

2014: MLB Debut

In 2014, Jorge Polanco made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

2014: MLB Debut and Time with Fort Myers

In 2014, Jorge Polanco started the season with the Class-A Advanced Fort Myers Miracle. He was called up to the majors on June 26, making his MLB debut that day. He played 4 games for the Twins and was later sent to the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats, finishing the season hitting .288/.353/.395 in 88 minor league games.

2015: Time with Chattanooga and Rochester

In 2015, Jorge Polanco started back in Double-A with the Chattanooga Lookouts. He was called up to the Twins on June 10, making his second career MLB start, and was later named a Southern League All-Star. On July 4, he was promoted to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings. He finished the season in Triple-A.

2016: Extensive Playing Time in Majors

In 2016, Jorge Polanco got his first extensive playing time in the majors, playing in 69 games. He hit .282 with 4 home runs and 27 runs batted in for Minnesota.

2017: Primary Shortstop for the Twins

In 2017, Jorge Polanco was the primary shortstop for the Twins, hitting .256 with 13 home runs, 74 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases in 133 games. He also made his postseason debut.

2018: Fewest Games Since Drug Suspension

In 2023, Jorge Polanco hit .255/.335/.454 in 80 games, his fewest since his drug suspension in 2018.

2019: Contract Extension and Hitting for the Cycle

During spring training in 2019, Jorge Polanco signed a five-year contract extension with club options for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. On April 5, 2019, he hit for the cycle against the Philadelphia Phillies.

2020: Performance in 2020

In 2020, Jorge Polanco hit .258 with 4 home runs and 19 RBI in 55 games and underwent offseason ankle surgery for the second consecutive year.

2021: Move to Second Base and Career Highs

In 2021, Jorge Polanco became a second baseman after the Twins signed Andrelton Simmons to play shortstop. He set career highs with 33 home runs and 98 RBIs. He was named the Twins' MVP and most improved player for 2021.

2022: Lowest Batting Average

In 2022, Jorge Polanco hit .235, the lowest average of his career thus far, but he offset his low average with 64 walks and 16 home runs in 104 games.

January 29, 2024: Traded to Seattle Mariners

On January 29, 2024, Jorge Polanco was traded to the Seattle Mariners for pitchers Anthony DeSclafani and Justin Topa, prospects Gabriel González and Darren Bowen, and cash.