Jorge Polanco To Miss Rest Of 2026 Season After Surgery

Jorge Polanco will not return to the New York Mets for the remainder of the 2026 Major League Baseball season after the Dominican infielder was ruled out with a left ankle injury requiring surgery.

The 33-year-old Polanco played just 37 games in his first season with New York, struggling to stay on the field while dealing with several physical problems. He finished his limited action with a .148 batting average, two home runs and six RBIs.

Injuries Limited Polanco’s First Mets Season

Polanco had been dealing with discomfort in his left Achilles tendon since the beginning of the season. He later sustained an injury to his right wrist that resulted in a stint on the injured list.

The latest problem involves bursitis in his left ankle, according to the Mets’ announcement. The surgery will bring an early end to a season that began with expectations for the veteran infielder to contribute to New York’s offense.

Polanco Signed $40 Million Mets Contract

Polanco joined the Mets after signing a two-year, $40 million contract in December 2025. The agreement followed his previous stops with the Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins and was part of New York’s efforts to reinforce its lineup following the departure of Pete Alonso.

Across 13 Major League Baseball seasons, Polanco has compiled a .259 career batting average with 156 home runs and 576 RBIs in 1,125 games. His experience made him an important addition to the Mets entering the 2026 campaign.

Focus Now Shifts To 2027

The surgery changes the outlook for Polanco’s season and shifts his immediate priority toward rehabilitation. With no further games scheduled for him in 2026, his recovery will determine how prepared he is to return for the 2027 campaign.

For the Mets, Polanco’s absence removes a veteran offensive option from the roster after a season in which injuries prevented him from establishing a consistent presence in the lineup.