Pittsburgh Pirates: Gregory Polanco may be heading to Japan

There was a time when Gregory Polanco appeared to be a building block for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a consensus top 100 prospect in 2013 and 2014, a potential power and speed threat who was expected to be a part of the middle of the Pirates lineup for years to come.

That would not be the case as injuries took their toll. Now, Polanco finds himself on the verge of heading to Japan, as he is reportedly close to joining a team in Nippon Professional Baseball.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco looking to revive career

Polanco appeared to be about to deliver on his promise in 2018. He posted a career best 128 OPS+ in his 535 plate appearances, hitting 23 homers and 32 doubles while stealing 12 bases. At 26 years old, he appeared to be living up to his top prospect hype.

Disaster struck in the final weeks of the season. Polanco dislocated his shoulder and had a major bone bruise in his left knee, with the shoulder injury requiring surgery. He was never the same after that, posting a 70 OPS+ with 24 homers and 26 doubles in 723 plate appearances between 2019 and 2021.

However, time is still theoretically on his side. Polanco turned 30 years old in September and should still be in the midst of his prime. It is entirely possible that this sojourn to Japan can turn his career around, letting him tap into that seemingly unlimited potential once again.

If Polanco can return to form in Japan, he may be able to return to the majors. As it currently stands, he would likely have to settle for a minor league deal and hope to earn a spot on a roster or have an opt-out clause if he is not recalled by a certain time. Heading to Japan is a guaranteed payday and could help him return to being the player he seemed destined to become.

Gregory Polanco was supposed to be a building block for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now, he may be trying to resurrect his career in Japan.