Position: RHP
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 170 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 08/01/2002
Country: Dominican Republic
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2019
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2025
Minor League Free Agency: 2028
Options Left: 3
Overview
Polanco figured to be a project when the Pirates signed him, although he was already 19. He threw 86-88 mph, with a curve and change.
2022-24
In the DSL, Polanco made three starts and nine relief appearances. He had a 3.65 ERA in the latter, but 12.27 in the former. That included one start in which he gave up six runs and retired only two batters. He didn’t miss many bats, but also didn’t walk many, with a 6.8 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9. He was hurt by gopher balls, which you don’t see much in the DSL, as he allowed five. Polanco was also hurt by an extremely low strand rate of 55%, so he probably pitched a bit better than his 5.63 ERA suggests.
Polanco returned to the DSL in 2023 and had a lot more trouble. He struck out more, but his walk rate more than doubled and opponents battered him for a .940 OPS. In 2024 he went back for a third season and improved sharply, with an ERA of 0.51. Opponents had just five hits against him in 17.2 IP, along with five walks, while he fanned 24.
Stats
Transactions
August 7, 2019: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.