Jorge Polanco Slated for Ankle Surgery; Mets Recall Wagaman and McDermott

Jorge Polanco was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday for left ankle surgery after recording a .431 OPS in 145 plate appearances.

Jorge Polanco was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to left ankle bursitis, a move likely ending a season where he batted .148 with two home runs and six RBI. Interim manager Andy Green confirmed the infielder will undergo surgery shortly to alleviate persistent pain that an MRI administered Tuesday showed had not improved. Polanco finishes his 2026 campaign with a .431 OPS across 145 plate appearances, the second-lowest mark in the league among players with at least 130 plate appearances, trailing only Leo Rivas of the Seattle Mariners (.424).

Since returning from a three-month absence on July 7, Polanco struggled to a .127 average in 23 appearances. The veteran signed a two-year, $40 million contract on Dec. 13 with the intention of replacing Pete Alonso at first base, despite having played only one pitch at the position for the Mariners in 2025. His tenure in New York saw him limited to just two starts at first base as he battled bursitis in his left Achilles tendon starting in early April.

Roster Adjustments and Triple-A Recalls

To fill the vacancy on the active roster, the Mets recalled infielder Eric Wagaman from Triple-A Syracuse. The club also executed a pitching change, optioning right-handed reliever Jack Weisenburger to Syracuse and recalling fellow right-hander Chance McDermott. These moves occurred prior to the series finale against the San Diego Padres. Christopher Morel, a five-year veteran recalled Tuesday, is expected to see increased playing time as the designated hitter.

In a separate transaction, infielder Gabriel Arias was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. Arias, who was designated for assignment by the Mets on Monday, leaves the organization with a .235 batting average, five home runs, and 11 RBIs through 44 games this season.

Medical History and Recovery Timeline

Polanco’s history of physical setbacks includes six previous stints on the injured list since 2018, involving back issues, left knee ailments, and strains to both hamstrings. While Green noted that the Achilles injury is no longer the primary concern, the left ankle issues have significantly impacted the player's mechanical performance at the plate. The team expects Polanco to be ready for baseball activities by the start of spring training in February, provided the schedule remains unaffected by the collective bargaining agreement expiration on Dec. 1.

Impact on the Mets Lineup

The loss of Polanco leaves the Mets without a high-priced veteran intended to anchor the infield. Green emphasized that the player attempted to grind through the discomfort before surgery was determined to be the best option. The team now turns to younger depth from Syracuse to navigate the remainder of the schedule as the front office monitors the impending labor situation between owners and players.