Despite not being 100% healthy, Polanco is off to a hot start this season with a 1.021 OPS through 34 games. A switch hitter his entire career, Polanco started this season batting as a lefty for the majority of the time due to dealing with soreness when batting from the right side — just 12 plate appearances as a righty. In his career, Polanco has been more successful as a left-handed hitter:
In 2025, his stat line as a lefty is even more impressive: 113 PAs, 12% strikeout rate, 6% walk rate, 1.026 OPS.
The two biggest differences are his contact quality and bat-to-ball ability on the left side. His average exit velocity is a career-high 92.2 mph, and his .614 xSLG ranks eighth in MLB.
He is also doing significantly better in the heart of the zone.
In terms of his bat-to-ball ability, he’s cut his strikeout rate significantly compared to his career numbers when batting left-handed and is making more contact in-zone while missing less overall.
Looking at his mechanics, it looks like Polanco has simplified his pre-pitch stance and load this season:
Starting with pre-pitch, Polanco is standing more closed and is straighter in the box. His hands are also elevated compared to the end of 2024.
Looking at his load position, there are several key differences. In 2024, Polanco loaded with a dramatic leg raise that shifted his weight completely to his back leg before pausing and swinging. In 2025, we are seeing a much more subtle leg raise with a more fluid shift in weight that transfers his power more effectively to his swing. Overall, it is quieter and more athletic. As a result, he is barreling and translating his power into games effectively this season.
While his strikeout rate is lower and his contact quality is improved, his plate discipline is similar to that of his career. The biggest change is that he is ambushing the first pitch a career-high 35% of the time. He’s only seeing first-pitch fastballs 45% of the time, so he’s not just targeting fastballs. He is more prepared to attack any first pitch he likes in-zone.
Overall, Polanco’s start in 2025 is not just luck; it is due to adjustments and the situation. Hitting lefty and simplifying his swing have allowed him to improve his contact while maintaining power.
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