Veteran infielder Jorge Polanco signed a two-year deal with the New York Mets on Saturday morning, turning down strong overtures from the Seattle Mariners, who badly wanted him back this offseason. At first, it felt like the Mariners made a financial decision, not wanting to over-extend for Polanco, but in reality, it was more than that.

The Mariners are emerging as potential front-runners to acquire a Cardinals All-Star as trade rumors heat up this offseason.