The New York Mets' 2025 season is facing an early test, as manager Carlos Mendoza has raised the possibility of a second major offseason investment landing on the injured list. Infielder Jorge Polanco, signed to a two-year, $40 million deal, is battling Achilles bursitis and could soon join superstar Juan Soto on the shelf.

The Mets' offensive struggles have been pronounced since Soto, the team's marquee addition, suffered a calf strain in early April. His absence created a void that Polanco was expected to help fill, but the veteran has struggled both at the plate and with his health. Through 14 games, Polanco is slashing a meager .179/.246/.286, with his sprint speed noticeably down from last season, indicating he's not playing at full capacity.

Mendoza confirmed Polanco was out of the lineup again Thursday, with the team planning to re-evaluate him in Chicago on Friday. "Carlos Mendoza admitted the IL is a possibility," a clear sign the club is considering a proactive, if painful, move.

For a team with playoff aspirations, losing two key bats so early is a brutal blow. The calculus now shifts to the long game. While it would hurt to be without Polanco in the short term, a proper reset on the IL could allow him to return at 100% and provide the offensive spark the Mets desperately need as they navigate a grueling 162-game schedule. Sometimes, the smartest play is to take a step back to move two steps forward.