Shalin Polanco learning new mindset from failure

Polanco growing and learning from rough experiences

Photo Credit: WTM

It’s hard to believe that Shalin Polanco is still just 21 years old, having his birthday in February. Signed as a 16-year-old, Polanco was given the second-largest international bonus from the Pirates in the franchise’s history at the time.

Baseball can be challenging and humbling. It’s a long season where you are going to see as many downs as there are ups. A significant portion of your success stems from your ability to handle failure.

Polanco has had his fair share of struggles through his minor league career. He’s flashed the tools that earned him a multi-million dollar signing bonus, but has had a hard time putting it all together.

He put together an encouraging age-19 season of .242/.323/.439 with 12 home runs and 17 stolen bases before an injury ended his season at 70 games. The strikeouts were high, but he was still young, playing at a more advanced level.

Last year was a step back, finishing double-digit home runs (11) and stolen bases (11), but did it in 30 more games than the previous year. Polanco also hit .191/.280/.343 with a 31% strikeout rate, all the while repeating Bradenton.

Those kinds of struggles can be humbling and force you to grow as a person. When looking back at how he’s grown as a player, Polanco recognizes the lesson that 2024 taught him.