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 professional baseball infielder from the Dominican Republic, currently playing for the Seattle Mariners in MLB. He debuted in MLB in 2014, previously playing for the Minnesota Twins. Polanco's career highlight includes being selected as an MLB All-Star in 2019, showcasing his talent and contribution to the sport.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1998: Comparison to Rodriguez and Griffey Jr.

In 2025, after Polanco and Moore were named players of the week in consecutive weeks, it was noted that this was the first time since Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr. in 1998 that Seattle players have won the award in consecutive weeks.

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: Professional Debut

In 2010, Jorge Polanco debuted for the Dominican Summer League Twins and also played for the Gulf Coast League Twins.

2012: Plays for Elizabethton Twins

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

2013: Plays for Cedar Rapids Kernels and Leones del Escogido

In 2013, Jorge Polanco played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels, earning a mid-season All-Star title, and later played for Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Professional Baseball League after the season. In November 2013, he was added to the Twins 40-man roster.

2014: MLB Debut with Twins

In 2014, Jorge Polanco began the season with the Class-A Advanced Fort Myers Miracle and was called up to the majors, making his MLB debut on June 26. He was later sent to the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats and finished the season there.

2015: Southern League All-Star

In 2015, Jorge Polanco started in Double-A with the Chattanooga Lookouts, earning a Southern League All-Star title, and was later promoted to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings. He briefly returned to the Twins in late July before finishing the season in Triple-A.

2016: Extensive playing time in the majors

In 2016, Jorge Polanco received extensive playing time in the majors, participating in 69 games. He was promoted to the Twins after starting the season in Rochester and was later demoted before returning to the Twins on July 30. During this time, he was also named a minor league All-Star for the third time.

2017: Primary Shortstop and Postseason Debut

In 2017, Jorge Polanco became the primary shortstop for the Twins, achieving career highs in stolen bases and RBIs. On August 29, 2017 he hit home runs as both a right-handed and left-handed batter in the same game. He also made his postseason debut, playing in the Wild Card Game against the New York Yankees.

2019: Contract Extension and Hitting for the Cycle

In 2019, during spring training, Jorge Polanco signed a five-year contract extension with the Twins. On April 5, 2019, Polanco hit for the cycle against the Philadelphia Phillies.

2020: Wild Card Series and Ankle Surgery

In 2020, Jorge Polanco played in 55 games and underwent offseason ankle surgery for the second consecutive year after the Twins lost to the Houston Astros in the Wild Card Series.

2021: Position Change and MVP Award

In 2021, Jorge Polanco transitioned to second base after the Twins signed Andrelton Simmons. Polanco set career highs in home runs and RBIs, earning the Twins' MVP and most improved player awards for 2021.

April 28, 2023: 100th Career Home Run

On April 28, 2023, Jorge Polanco hit his 100th career home run. Throughout 2023 he moved to third base after injuries and the emergence of a rookie player.

2023: Postseason Performance

In 2023, Jorge Polanco played 80 games, achieving his fewest since his drug suspension in 2018. Despite the Twins winning their first postseason series in 21 years, Polanco struggled offensively in the playoffs.