PT TOMORROW: NL Central—If Mercer warms, does Polanco pay?

Pittsburgh Pirates

Due to his continued lackluster production, Gregory Polanco (OF, PIT) has increasingly become the answer to the riddle of how to find a spot in the lineup for Jung-ho Kang (SS, PIT). When Polanco sits, Kang shifts to 3B, and Josh Harrison (3B, PIT) mans right field. This arrangement was made perhaps a bit more palatable this week, with Jordy Mercer (SS, PIT) showing some signs of life at the plate (4-for-11, 2B from May 24-27).

Local press reports noted that Polanco’s slash line this year (.242/.308/.340) looks suspiciously like last year’s (.235/.307/.343), which comports with the cautionary tone struck in this year’s Baseball Forecaster, suggesting that Polanco may not quite “pop” just yet. Nonetheless (as the...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

With teams still putting rosters together, each of the NL West teams (even the Dodgers), has some work to do. What are next steps each team might take?
Jan 29 2026 3:06am
What does the acquisition of Luisangel Acuña mean for the outfield picture in Chicago? Plus, a look at DET SS options, the catcher situation in KC, and the CLE and MIN rotations.
Jan 26 2026 3:03am
Ben Williamson is currently the projected third baseman for the Mariners, but a shakeup may be needed.
Jan 20 2026 3:01am
Chicago signed Bregman to a 5-year/$175 million deal, how does it impact their roster?
Jan 15 2026 3:09am
Coby Mayo (pictured) and Ryan Mountcastle have been squeezed from regular reps in BAL, while Triston Casas is in a similar spot in BOS; plus, more offseason fallout from the AL East.
Jan 13 2026 3:01am

Tools