Part 3/10:
This move appears to be a calculated gamble to bolster offensive firepower, even if it means developing his defense on the fly. The coaching staff, led by bench coach and fielding guru Chi Kewa, is poised to put Polanco through rigorous training to maximize his athleticism and defensive capabilities. Historically, the Mets have employed similar tactics; notably, when David Stearns was with the Milwaukee Brewers, he moved players around defensively—such as shifting Keston Hiura to first base after acquiring Gold Glove second baseman Kolten Wong—to optimize team defense.