Jose Iglesias Should Return for the 2025 Season
With all the buzz surrounding free agent Pete Alonso, one very integral piece of the 2024 Mets has snuck under the radar.
Of course, we’re talking about the hit pop sensation Candelita, also known by Jose Iglesias when he puts the microphone down and decides to swing a bat.
Jul 12, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jose Iglesias (11) hits a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Iglesias remains a free agent heading into February, despite having a monumental season with the Mets. The veteran infielder was vital in the Mets’ turnaround, providing a leadership role in the clubhouse and one outstanding song that became the anthem of the 2024 season.
But to chalk up Iglesias to just a veteran leader and gimmick would be ludicrous. His bat played. Well enough to wonder why the Mets, or anyone, has taken a flier on him for 2025. Iglesias should have a home by now. And it should be with the Mets.
In 85 games with the Mets, Iglesias slashed .337/.381/.448 with four homers, 16 doubles, and 39 runs scored. His bat was even more prolific at Citi Field, where Iglesias slashed .404/.440/.560.
Along with his sensational bat, Iglesias also proved his value with the glove. He frequently shifted over to third in late-game scenarios, taking Mark Vientos off third base and providing the Mets with an elite left side of the diamond to ensure leads were held at the end of games.
Iglesias was as integral on the field as any player last season. And the numbers back it up. In just the 85 games played with the Mets, Iglesias recorded a 3.1 bWAR with the Mets. That number tied Vientos for the second-highest bWAR last season.
Bringing back Iglesias seems like a no-doubter. He provides plus defense at third, shortstop, and second base, and provides another capable bat off the bench. Plus, despite Iglesias being a risky bat analytically, he’s posted a BABIP (batting average on balls put in play) of at least .305 over the last six seasons. The hits will come. Just maybe not at the same rate as 2024, where he posted his second-highest OPS+ at 137.
The only roadblock for a reunion seems to be the prospects for Iglesias. David Stearns and Carlos Mendoza both raved about Luisangel Acuña and Brett Baty for the upcoming season, and Jett Williams is on the horizon.
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