Pittsburgh Pirates: Gregory Polanco to sign with Yomiuri Giants

Gregory Polanco was expected to be a star for the Pittsburgh Pirates. A top 100 prospect in 2013 and 2014, he possessed a blend of speed and power that teams dreamed of. He was someone that the Pirates were hoping to build around, a star in the making.

Polanco never panned out as hoped. Now, he is heading to Japan in an attempt to resurrect his career, having signed with the Yomiuri Giants.

Former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco to sign with Yomiuri Giants

After three seasons of mediocre production, Polanco appeared to be breaking out during the 2018 season. He posted a career best 128 OPS+, hitting 23 homers and 32 doubles while stealing 12 bases. However, even that season ended in disappointment, as he dislocated his shoulder and suffered a major bone bruise in his knee. That shoulder injury required surgery, but the Pirates were hopeful that he would return at full strength.

That was not the case. Polanco was unable to recapture that form, posting a 70 OPS+ with just 24 homers and 26 doubles in his 723 plate appearances from that point forward. His walk rate decreased while his strikeout rate spiked as Polanco no longer showed that same level of promise.

A trek to Japan makes plenty of sense. He is still only 30 years old and should be in the prime of his career. It is entirely possible that he will be able to recapture that form with different coaching and a different environment.

This is a journey that others have taken. Nippon Professional Baseball has become another testing ground, a place where players can earn a viable salary while looking to resurrect their careers. As Polanco was not likely to receive any major league offers, it makes sense for him to try to resurrect his career overseas.

Former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco is signing with the Yomiuri Giants. This may be the move he needs to rebuild his career.