Twins trade 2B Jorge Polanco to Mariners in 5-player deal

In a significant five-player trade between the Seattle Mariners and the Minnesota Twins, second baseman Jorge Polanco is headed to Seattle in exchange for outfield prospect Gabriel Gonzalez, reliever Justin Topa, starter Anthony DeSclafani, and minor league pitcher Darren Bowen. The deal, announced by both teams on Monday night, also involves the Mariners providing cash considerations to the Twins.

Polanco, a 30-year-old switch hitter and former All-Star in 2019, brings a decade of big league experience as a consistently above-league-average hitter with a career slash line of .269/.334/.446. Joining the Mariners, he is expected to bolster their batting lineup, which already features promising talents like Julio Rodriguez, J.P. Crawford, Cal Raleigh, Ty France, and offseason additions Mitch Garver and Mitch Haniger. Polanco’s contract, including a $10.5 million option exercised by the Twins this winter and a $12 million club option for 2025, indicates a significant financial commitment.

The Twins, seeking to shed payroll after winning the American League Central last season, part with Polanco while acquiring promising assets. Gabriel Gonzalez, a 20-year-old right-handed-hitting corner outfielder, is considered the centerpiece of the deal. Although his performance varied between Single-A and High-A last season, he is recognized as a borderline top-100 prospect with notable bat-to-ball skills.

Justin Topa, 32, a reliever who excelled with a 2.61 ERA over 75 games for the Mariners last year, adds depth to the Twins’ pitching staff. Anthony DeSclafani, whose $12 million salary will be partially covered by cash from Seattle, comes to Minnesota after being traded for the second time in the winter. He posted a 4.88 ERA in 99⅔ innings last season, dealing with a flexor strain in his right elbow.

Minor league pitcher Darren Bowen, a 23-year-old selected in the 13th round in 2022, completes the package for the Twins. Bowen showcased promise with a 3.88 ERA over 55⅔ innings in his debut minor league season after joining UNC-Pembroke.