The Phillies have declined their half of Placido Polanco's $5.5MM mutual option, the team has announced. Polanco will instead receive a $1MM buyout and become a free agent.
Polanco, who turned 37 shortly after the regular season ended, earned $6.25MM in 2012 — the final guaranteed season of a three-year, $18MM contract he signed back in December 2009.
The veteran struggled to the tune of a .257/.302/.327 batting line with a mere two home runs. A pair of back injuries led to two stints on the disabled list, limiting Polanco to 90 games. That total was his lowest since playing a partial season for the Cardinals at age 23 in 1999.
His defense remained a plus according to both UZR (+8.1 runs per 150 games) and the Fielding Bible (+2 runs). Polanco shifted to third base after signing with Philadelphia to accommodate Chase Utley, but he has extensive experience at second base as well.
For his career, the ACES client is a .299/.344/.403 hitter. He's split his Major League service time between the Cardinals, Phillies and Tigers. Earlier today, the Phils picked up their option on Carlos Ruiz and declined their options on Ty Wigginton and Jose Contreras.
Hello Blue Jays? Sign Polanco for Second Base, worst case scenario he sits on the bench or is an alternative to Hechavarria or Aviles at 2nd.
He can’t play 2nd anymore. No range at all.
Cubs – 3rd base – one year, insurance while they see if vitters or Stewart have anything worth keeping. Probably even an off year for him beats valbuena’s best.
That was my thought as well. I think Polanco’s bat would beat Valbuena any day. I say sign him and have Vitters work a little more at hitting big league pitching on a part-time basis for a while.
Still a good player, just can’t stay healthy.
I love Polly but he needs to retire.
I’d love to have him in Baltimore as insurance against Roberts not coming back.
And finally the book is closed on that horrible Contreras contract. Taking nothing away from Jose here, but I would have liked to know why Rube thought it made sense to give a (allegedly) 37 year old player a 2 year guaranteed contract, with a buyout kicker for the third year.
He’s cooked. Only a question if he chooses to become a utility bench player on a contender to chase a ring or retire. My bet is he retires.
My all time favorite! Time to hang them up Polly. Great career.