MLB

Mets sign 1B Jorge Polanco to two-year, $40 million contract

Pete Alonso is off to Baltimore, and the Mets have acted fast to find his replacement. It’s not exactly a carbon copy of New York’s former slugger, either. A second baseman by trade, Polanco will be flexed into mainly first base and designated hitter duty by the Mets. He’ll of course see time at other infield spots, too, but Polanco’s primary responsibility will be replacing Alonso — both on the dirt and in the lineup.

That’s a hefty ask — an impossible one, actually — if you’re expecting similar power numbers. Polanco has 154 career home runs, but that pales in comparison to Alonso’s 264. Instead, the 32-year-old needs to provide value with his glove and steady plate appearances. Polanco’s salary will be well below that of Alonso’s, so even remotely similar production would go a long way.

Polanco hit .265 with 26 homers and 78 RBIs last season with the Mariners.

Grade: A-