CINCINNATI -- It’s hard to envision a path for Gregory Polanco to be a part of the 2022 Pirates.
He will either:
A. Have a good year and be traded, or
B. Struggle and be either released or have his option declined at the end of the year.
There really is no scenario where a rebuilding club could use Polanco’s services for $12.5 million next year.
With that in mind, it’s fine that the Pirates are giving Polanco a chance to rebound after two challenging seasons, but the leash can’t be too long.
At the moment, the Pirates are carrying Anthony Alford and Dustin Fowler to play between Polanco and Bryan Reynolds. Derek Shelton hasn’t committed to one as the everyday starter, but Alford and Fowler are in the same situation. Former top 100 prospects getting another crack at playing time. In the spirit of the competition that the Pirates have based so much of this season on, you can’t fault Shelton for not giving each a spot in the order.
But that’s only for now. What happens if both perform? What if the Oneil Cruz outfield experiment gains some traction? Or Jared Oliva or Travis Swaggerty come knocking on the door?
Polanco has a spot on the team and in the order. For now, at least. Over the weekend in Chicago, he went 1 for 10 with four strikeouts and three walks. On Sunday, he bounced into an inning-ending double play, stranding the tying run at third base.
If the Pirates feel they can get a prospect for him because he’s hitting well, keep him in the lineup. But at some point, they are going to have to accept that Polanco is nearing the end of his tenure and will not be a part of the next competitive team, and they shouldn’t keep giving him everyday reps. Especially if it takes away playing time from someone who could be part of that competitive team.
YOUR TURN: What should the Pirates do with Polanco this season and going forward?