Former Seattle Mariners third baseman received unfortunate news on Monday morning after being diagnosed with a broken toe during spring training with the Chicago White Sox, casting doubt on his availability for Opening Day.
In 2024, he played a crucial role as a standout defender at third base for the Mariners. Despite his exceptional performance, he was overlooked for the AL Gold Glove finalists. His defensive skills were instrumental in stabilizing Seattle’s infield, which battled multiple injuries throughout the season, making him one of the team’s most valuable defenders.
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Rojas also started the season strong at the plate, providing a spark for a struggling Mariners offense. His early contributions kept the team competitive during a time when guys like Julio Rodriguez, Mitch Garver and Jorge Polanco weren’t producing.
The Mariners made the right call with Josh Rojas
As the season progressed, Rojas struggled offensively, ultimately finishing with a .225 batting average, eight home runs, and 31 RBIs. Due to his difficulties at the plate, the Mariners opted not to tender him a contract in the offseason, making him a free agent and leading to his decision to sign with the White Sox.
With Rojas departing, Seattle brought back Jorge Polanco on a one-year, $7.75 million contract and transitioned him from second base to third.
Polanco underwent knee surgery in October 2024 but has since fully recovered. Despite having only 24 career games at third base before the move, he has expressed growing comfort with the position during spring training.
This change could prove to be a smart decision for the Mariners. Polanco has a strong offensive history, with multiple seasons hitting above .280 while delivering double-digit home run power. If he remains healthy, he could provide the consistent bat Seattle lacked in 2024.
On the defensive side, Polanco has adapted well to third base, demonstrating his ability to handle the role. Meanwhile, Ryan Bliss is emerging as the likely everyday second baseman, offering greater upside than Rojas.
By replacing Rojas with Polanco, the Mariners aim to strengthen their offense, even if it comes at the cost of some defensive stability. If Polanco continues to perform well at third and stays healthy, this move could be a significant boost to Seattle’s postseason aspirations.
