Mets' Polanco gets key tips from Hernandez on first base transition

Veteran first baseman Keith Hernandez shares advice with new Mets player Jorge Polanco on playing the position.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:36am

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Jorge Polanco, the Mets' new first baseman, recently had a conversation with former Mets star Keith Hernandez about the transition to playing first base. Hernandez, an 11-time Gold Glove winner at the position, offered Polanco advice on being confident, arriving on time to the base, and understanding his infielders' throwing motions. Polanco said the talk was very helpful as he adjusts to his new role after primarily playing middle infield previously.

Why it matters

Polanco is a key offseason acquisition for the Mets, signed to a two-year, $40 million contract to replace the departed Pete Alonso at first base. Getting tips from a legendary defender like Hernandez could be invaluable as Polanco looks to solidify the position and provide a powerful bat in the middle of the Mets' lineup.

The details

Polanco said Hernandez approached him in the Mets' clubhouse after a spring training broadcast and initiated a conversation about the importance of being confident and arriving on time to the base on ground balls. Hernandez emphasized knowing the arm strengths of the infielders to time the plays properly. Polanco agreed with Hernandez's advice, noting that sometimes he might be looking at the ball and be late getting to the bag, so the focus should just be on getting there on time.

  • Polanco and Hernandez had their conversation last weekend, following Hernandez's final spring training broadcast.
  • The Mets will leave Florida after a workout on Monday, ahead of Thursday's season opener against the Pirates at Citi Field.

The players

Jorge Polanco

The Mets' new first baseman, who had only one inning of major league experience at the position before spring training began.

Keith Hernandez

An 11-time Gold Glove winner at first base for the Cardinals and Mets, and a key part of the Mets' 1986 World Series championship team.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets' manager, who has been pleased with Polanco's transition to first base, noting his use of the whole bag and communication with the infielders.

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What they’re saying

“We talked about how important it is to be confident over there. Don't [press] to be too good: You are going to be good because you used to play middle infield, so it's, 'You're used to ground balls, all you have to do is try to be on time to the base and stay confident, stay positive.'”

— Jorge Polanco

“Know your infielders' arms and what the balls do to them. It's so you can be early to be a target, so being on time to the base is the most important thing. And I agree, because sometimes you might be looking and you might be late to the bag. Just get to the bag. The middle infielders, they have to wait for you, but you have to be on time. Don't worry about looking before you get on the base.”

— Jorge Polanco

What’s next

Polanco is focused on the final few days of spring training before the Mets leave Florida on Monday, ahead of Thursday's season opener against the Pirates at Citi Field.

The takeaway

Polanco's conversation with Hernandez, a legendary first baseman, could prove invaluable as he transitions to the position for the Mets. Hernandez's advice on confidence, timing, and communication with infielders should help Polanco settle in and provide a steady glove at first base to complement his offensive production.