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SEATTLE, WA – May 3, 2025

In a stunning development that has rocked the baseball world, Seattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco has reportedly told close teammates, “I’m leaving soon,” amid final negotiations on a $20 million move that will see him part ways with the franchise that welcomed him just over a year ago.

Sources inside the Mariners clubhouse confirmed Friday morning that Polanco, 31, is set to be traded to an undisclosed National League contender, as talks over a two-year, $20 million deal near finalization. The sudden revelation has sent shockwaves through Seattle, where fans and analysts alike are scrambling to understand why the franchise’s most versatile infielder is preparing to leave in the middle of a resurgent season.

Locker Room Bombshell

The news broke after Thursday night’s 6-3 win over the Houston Astros, when Polanco reportedly addressed teammates in what one player described as a “farewell vibe” speech.

“He just said, ‘I’m leaving soon. It’s been real,’” said one veteran Mariners player who asked not to be named. “We thought he was joking at first. But then he hugged a few guys. It was real, man.”

Another teammate added, “You could feel something was up this past week. He’s been more reserved, more on the phone with his agent. I guess now we know why.”

The Deal Behind the Curtain

Polanco, who joined Seattle from the Minnesota Twins in a January 2024 trade, has been a crucial cog in the Mariners’ infield rotation, playing both second and shortstop with elite efficiency. He has batted .271 with 9 home runs and 34 RBIs through 33 games this season.

While the Mariners have remained tight-lipped, multiple league insiders have confirmed that the Philadelphia Phillies are believed to be the frontrunners in the acquisition, having dangled a competitive package that includes a pair of top-25 prospects and cash considerations.

One MLB executive, speaking on background, stated, “Seattle wasn’t shopping Polanco until about 10 days ago. But after internal meetings and considering their long-term payroll priorities, they decided to listen. Now, it looks like the finish line is in sight.”

Polanco: “I Love Seattle, But…”

Reached briefly by reporters outside T-Mobile Park Friday morning, Polanco was reserved but didn’t deny the rumors.

“I love Seattle,” he said. “Great city. Great fans. But this is baseball. Sometimes things change fast. I’ve had good talks with management. That’s all I can say right now.”

Pressed further, he smiled wistfully and added, “Wherever I go, I’ll always be thankful to this organization. But yeah… I’m leaving soon.”

Fan Reactions: Stunned and Divided

For Mariners fans, the news comes as a gut punch.

“Why would we trade away one of our best hitters when we’re finally making a playoff push?” asked Lauren Kim, a lifelong fan outside the ballpark. “It doesn’t make sense. It’s like management is giving up again.”

On X (formerly Twitter), #PolancoTrade trended within hours of the leak. Some fans praised the front office for flipping a veteran for younger talent, while others labeled it a betrayal.

One viral post read, “Jorge Polanco gave us heart, hustle, and leadership. And now we’re just gonna dump him? SMH.”

Another countered, “Let’s be real. We got him for cheap. If we flip him for two elite prospects, that’s just smart business.”

Manager Scott Servais Reacts

Mariners skipper Scott Servais, who was visibly emotional during his Friday press briefing, didn’t confirm the trade outright but didn’t deny it either.

“Jorge is a pro. One of the best I’ve ever coached,” Servais said. “Whatever happens next, I know he’ll handle it the right way. If he’s not in our dugout next week, it’ll be a loss for us as a team and as a family.”

He added, “These decisions are never easy. But the front office does what they believe is best for the long-term picture.”

Clubhouse Chemistry in Question

While Seattle remains in the thick of the AL West race, questions are swirling about whether the trade could fracture the clubhouse spirit. Polanco, a steadying veteran presence, is beloved by younger players like Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh, who have frequently credited him for helping establish a winning culture.

“He’s like a big brother to a lot of guys in here,” one Mariners coach said. “It’s gonna hurt if he walks out that door.”

Julio Rodríguez posted a cryptic story on Instagram shortly after the news broke: a black-and-white photo of the two hugging during spring training, with the caption, “Whatever happens… always family.”

A New Chapter on the Horizon

Should the deal with Philadelphia be finalized as expected, Polanco will join a club pushing hard for a postseason return after early struggles. The Phillies have long sought a reliable middle infielder to shore up their rotation behind Bryce Harper and Trea Turner.

Polanco’s contract includes a 2025 team option, which sources say the Phillies would likely pick up as part of the trade agreement.

Meanwhile, the Mariners are reportedly targeting prospects Justin Crawford (OF) and Starlyn Caba (SS) in return. Both are top-tier talents with high ceilings — a sign that GM Justin Hollander is playing the long game.

Final Thoughts

As Seattle braces for the end of a short but memorable Polanco era, one thing is clear: the landscape of the AL West is about to shift.

“I didn’t think I’d be saying goodbye this soon,” Polanco told reporters. “But maybe sometimes, things happen for a reason.”

Whether that reason benefits Seattle in the long haul — or leaves fans with another “what if” — remains to be seen.

For now, all eyes are on the next 48 hours.