San Diego Padres Sign Jose Iglesias to a Minor League Deal

With the loss of Jurickson Profar to the Atlanta Braves, America’s Finest City could use a baseball player with some stellar VAR for the upcoming season. And they are going to get it. This week, the San Diego Padres signed Jose Iglesias to a minor league deal.

Jon Heyman helped bring the news to light via social media. He revealed,

“Jose Iglesias to the San Diego Padres. Mets didn’t see Iglesias as a fit as they want to keep their roster flexibility and avoid blocking their young prospects. Mr. OMG will have good opportunity for playing time with Padres. Iglesias gets $3M if in majors plus $1M incentives on Padres deal.”

However, what’s a bit on the puzzling side of this news is the minor league deal aspect. No major league team wanted to snatch him? It’s odd because Iglesias had a good 2024 season with New York. SNY Mets field reporter Steve Gelbs comments,

“Jose Iglesias is a .283 career hitter coming off a season where he hit .337 and had an .830 OPS. He’s one of the most sure-handed defenders I’ve ever seen and a great clubhouse guy. The fact that he, again, couldn’t get a big league deal anywhere is completely baffling.”

Well, this situation is “familiar territory” for Jose. And no doubt it will keep him hungry to play his best baseball. As you may recall, he went to the Mets on a minor-league deal last season and had his career year at age 34 in only 85 games. He hit .337/.381/.448 (137 OPS+) with a career-high 3.1 WAR. But the Mets have decided to move on and towards their youth movement and not look back. Plus, other ball clubs have seemed to look past Iglesias as well.

Nevertheless, in sports business you snooze you lose. And now the brown and gold hope to capitalize. As they continue to fight in order to get that elusive, first long-awaited championship.

San Diego Padres Sign Jose Iglesias to a Minor League Deal

However, grabbing up Iglesias is a fitting move for SD especially after losing Ha-seong Kim. Having another infielder that can fill in as needed. By the All-Star break last season, Iglesias had taken over as the everyday second baseman; playing terrific defense up the middle.

Also, Iglesias was a huge piece for the Mets down the stretch and into the 2024 postseason. A part of the season, where SD can seem to go cold. If Jose can help the Padres in this aspect, this could prove to be a quiet but very effective pickup for San Diego.

Plus, Jose should effortlessly fit the San Diego clubhouse vibes. The Padres are known to be a very fun team with their often imitated second base and home run celebrations. Add Iglesias’ singing and now we really have ourselves a party.

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