Infielder Jose Iglesias was one of many higher gamers left in free company. He lastly discovered a house for the 2025 season on Wednesday.
Jon Heyman of the New York Submit reported that the Padres signed Iglesias to a minor league take care of an invite to spring coaching. Heyman additional famous that the deal can be price $3 million if he had been to crack the main league roster with an extra $1 million in incentives.
Iglesias put collectively a profession yr in 2024 regardless of showing in simply 85 video games. He posted a .337/.381/.448 batting line in 291 plate appearances, hitting 4 homers and 16 doubles. Iglesias even grew to become an sudden inspiration through the Mets’ unbelievable playoff run, as his track “OMG” grew to become the crew’s anthem.
He now joins a Padres crew that wants confirmed infield depth. Infielder Ha-Seong Kim departed in free company, signing a two-year deal price as much as $31 million with the Rays. Whereas Iglesias had been a shortstop for many of his profession, he obtained time at second and third final season.
That positional versatility is sorely wanted. Whereas Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts are entrenched at third and brief, respectively, there are extra questions on the fitting facet of the infield. Luis Arraez and Jake Cronenworth are at present atop the depth chart at first and second, however neither is a powerful defensive participant. Iglesias, in the meantime, was strong defensively at second and third final season. He may push Arraez or Cronenworth to the designated hitter spot, enhancing the Padres’ protection.
Regression is to be anticipated with Iglesias. He had an absurd .382 batting common on balls in play in 2024 (the league common is .296) regardless of a mediocre hard-hit proportion and common exit velocities. Nevertheless, even when he performs nearer to his profession .283/.323/.386 slash line, he would stay a possible cut price for the Padres.
