The New York Mets are working to transition Jorge Polanco, traditionally a middle infielder, to the first base position as they prepare for the 2026 season. This move is not about directly replacing Pete Alonso’s overall production, but rather about developing Polanco’s skills at first base, a position he has never played in the major leagues before. The team is focused on run prevention strategies, and introducing Polanco at first base is part of that plan despite his unfamiliarity with the spot.
Adjusting to the Demands of First Base
Polanco, aged 32, is adapting to a new role that differs significantly from his previous infield experience, understanding that excelling first at spring training in Port St. Lucie is very different from executing plays during the regular season at Citi Field in Queens. His efforts during infield drills have shown promise, with observers noting his smooth handling of first base tasks despite being new to the position.
Polanco Seeks Guidance from Keith Hernandez
Aware of the challenges ahead, Polanco has reached out to Keith Hernandez, an 11-time Gold Glove winner at first base, to seek advice. Hernandez, a longtime broadcaster for the Mets who recently signed a three-year contract extension with SportsNet New York, will be scaling back the number of games he calls this season. However, part of his reduced on-air schedule could free him up to mentor Polanco as he learns the intricacies of first base.
I would love to talk to him and pick his brain,
Polanco shared with Mike Puma of the New York Post.
Perfect,
Hernandez responded when asked about Polanco’s interest in learning from him.
I’ll let him ask the questions,
Hernandez added regarding their potential conversations.
Managing Polanco’s Workload Post-Surgery
Given Polanco’s recent knee surgery in 2024 and his lack of experience at first base, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that the team is deliberately pacing his development. Mendoza expects Polanco to receive significant at-bats as a designated hitter (DH) to ease him into the routine and reduce physical strain while he gains proficiency at first base.
Not only is he going to be first base, especially with him having a major surgery not too long ago. He’ll get DH at-bats,
Mendoza explained.
But again, I think him just getting familiar with the position, we gotta get him reps, and we gotta get him comfortable. Not going to run him through the ground.
I think that DH is going to be in play big-time with him
Mendoza emphasized when discussing the plan for Polanco’s playing time and how Brett Baty and Mark Vientos will also share first base duties when Polanco sits out.
The Importance of Experienced Mentorship for Polanco
With zero major league innings at first base, Polanco’s transition represents a learning curve. The Mets’ cautious approach reflects their desire to avoid defensive lapses that might occur from rushing him into the role. Hernandez’s experience and willingness to assist provide a vital resource for Polanco as he navigates this career adjustment. The mentoring relationship could be key to making Polanco’s first base experiment successful.
Future Implications for the Mets’ Roster
The Mets’ strategy to shift Polanco to first base ties into their broader goal of maintaining a strong defensive lineup while balancing the team’s offensive needs. Polanco’s ability to adapt will be carefully monitored throughout the spring and regular season, especially with rotation options like Baty and Vientos ready to contribute at first base. The outcome of this transition will influence the Mets’ lineup construction and positional assignments moving toward 2026 and beyond.
Jorge Polanco looks pretty smooth at first base during infield drills #Mets pic.twitter.com/DAfZ4pNuMp
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) February 19, 2026
"I think that DH is going to be in play big-time with him"
Carlos Mendoza talks about how many DH at-bats Jorge Polanco will get and says that Brett Baty and Mark Vientos will get reps at first base when Polanco is not playing the position pic.twitter.com/e034eXFsqI
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 21, 2026
