Former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco back in NPB

Maybe the second time can be the charm for former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco.

He had signed with the Yomiuri Giants for the 2022 season, hoping to resurrect his career and become a major league option once more. That was not the case as he produced a disappointing .240/.306/.457 batting line with 24 homers and 21 doubles in his 484 plate appearances. While he was an above average bat, he was not the type of difference maker the Giants had hoped for.

Former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco giving NPB second try

That does not mean his time in Japan is over. According to reports, the Chiba Lotte Marines have signed Polanco to a one year deal for the 2023 season, giving him another chance to rebuild his career.

There was a time when Polanco appeared as though he would be a cornerstone for the Pirates. He had been a consensus top 100 prospect in 2013 and 2014, a solid all around player with the type of pop in his bat that could make a difference. After showing flashes of his promise, everything seemed to come together for him in 2018 as Polanco posted a .254/.340/.499 batting line with 23 homers and 32 doubles in his 535 plate appearances, chipping in 12 steals.

However, that season ended prematurely. Polanco dislocated his shoulder and suffered a bone bruise in his knee, his shoulder injury requiring surgery. He appeared in just 42 games in 2019 and was never able to find his way again.

It is possible that Polanco can return to form. He is just 31 years old and, if he can have a strong showing with the Marines in 2023, he could find his way back to the majors. However, given his struggles over the past few years, it would take a major turnaround with the Marines if that is going to happen.

Former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco is staying in Japan for one more year. He has signed a deal with the Chiba Lotte Marines for 2023.