Veteran infielder Jose Iglesias was a key part to the Mets’ rise last season, thanks to his versatility and enthusiasm. Now, Iglesias is headed back to the Padres’ organization, on a Minor League deal as he looks to continue his MLB career.
A Look at Iglesias
The 2024 season was a whirlwind for the Mets, including Jose Iglesias. Iglesias didn’t play in the Majors in 2023, a season he spent in the Padres’ Minor League system. But after he signed another Minor League deal in 2023, this time with the Mets, and an injury to Jeff McNeil, Iglesias flourished.
Iglesias hit .337/.381/.448 (.829 OPS) last season with four home runs over 291 PA. The veteran infielder didn’t make his 2024 season debut until May 31 — coincidentally, around the same time the Mets got hot — and rolled throughout the year. He hit .417 in June and .371 in September.
His prowess against left-handers also ranked him among the best in baseball last season. Iglesias had the highest batting average (.402) against left-handed pitchers last season. It ranked significantly higher than the runner-up, Zach Neto (.374) (min. 100 PA). Iglesias’ .999 OPS against LHP was ninth-best in MLB in 2024.
It was a very different year for Iglesias, a player not known for his bat — but rather his glove. Iglesias, dating back to his Red Sox days, was always an savvy defender with good range and instincts. That remained true in 2024.
The 35-year-old saw time at second and third last season, plus a handful of games at short. Iglesias recorded a +2 Outs Above Average market at third, and a 0 OAA at second.
Iglesias has had a penchant for making contact throughout his career. Last season, the 6.8” average swing length was significantly shorted compared to the league average. And because Iglesias can keep the bat in the zone for a while, it results on him getting on the ball efficiently, without missing.
His 15.2% Whiff% in 2024 was better than the league average.
There’s not much pop in Iglesias’ profile; rougly a 35 power grade on the 20-80 scale. But, that’s not what teams sign up for with Iglesias. Rather, reliable, steady defense with a hit-over-power approach.
Per the New York Post, Jose Iglesias heads to the Padres on a Minor League deal.
Analysis
It’s a low-risk move for the Padres, a team that has infield depth. However, having a depth infielder like Iglesias on the MLB roster would be of benefit.
Despite playing very little shortstop in 2024, the 35-year-old showcased good speed and range yet again last season with the Mets. Meaning, if Iglesias makes the Padres’ roster, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him move around the middle infield, between second and short.
Right now, the Padres are positioned to have Xander Bogaerts back at short, Jake Cronenworth at second base, with Luis Arraez at first. Newcomer INF/OF Connor Joe‘s received reps at first base and left field this spring.
Given Iglesias’ ability to hit left-handers, he could spell Cronenworth on some days — again, hypotheticals here — as well as work in time at short, as well.
As for the infielder’s former team, the Mets’ brass insisted the team was not in Iglesias. New York (NL) signed ex-Cub Nick Madrigal to fill their utility infielder role, a role that’s now vacant with Madrigal likely done for the 2025 campaign thanks to a dislocated shoulder.
It’s not like the Mets don’t have options. Between Luisangel Acuna and Brett Baty, the latter of whom’s received reps at second base to increase his versatility, there are ways to replace Iglesias for 2025. However, how the Mets replace his locker room presence will be interesting, as it’s hard to argue that Iglesias wasn’t a positive factor.