With so many newly acquired, young players running around the minors and some finding their way into the big-league dugout, no one knows for sure what the Pittsburgh Pirates will look like a year from now.

Gregory Polanco only knows he wants to be a part of it.

“I never want to leave Pittsburgh,” said Polanco, the longest-tenured Pirates player at eight seasons. “I’m comfortable here.”

He spoke with reporters Wednesday morning after he made a game-saving catch and contributed two hits, two walks and two stolen bases to the Pirates’ 8-5, 10-inning victory against the Milwaukee Brewers.

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 4, 2021

He knows the excitement that brewed at PNC Park when the Pirates were going to three consecutive postseasons, and he wants to be part of another playoff run.

That will be difficult, however.

He’s the highest-paid Pirates player at $11 million this season, and his contract — negotiated with the previous management team — calls for club options of $12.5 million (2022) and $13.5 million (2023) that can be bought out for a total of $4 million, which the Pirates are likely to do.

Meanwhile, Polanco is thinking optimistically about the remainder of this season after recovering from 2018 shoulder surgery and a bilateral adductor strain that put him on the injured list last month.

He is second on the team in home runs (11) and third in RBIs (32), and he improved his .199 batting average before the All-Star break to .211 by hitting .256 in July. Most impressive are his 13 steals in 13 attempts, giving him more career stolen bases than home runs (97/96).

“He’s moved better the past two months,” manager Derek Shelton said.

Said Polanco: “I’m finding my rhythm. I’m seeing the ball better. I feel better.

“It’s about time.”

He was proud Tuesday when he broke up the Brewers’ no-hit bid by getting a single off left-hander Daniel Norris’ slider. He came into the game with a lifetime .209 batting average against left-handers.

“I’m healthy now. I’m just grateful to be able to play this game and be here every day,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how I’m doing. Every day is an opportunity.

“This is the only thing I know to do. I love to play baseball. I’m enjoying every moment. If you know me personally, I try to always smile. I give what I got. That’s who I am. I’m going to bring my energy every day, no matter what.”

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