Mets Turning the Page on Jose Iglesias

In his first press conference of spring training 2025, David Stearns made it seem quite certain that the Mets will be moving on from free-agent infielder Jose Iglesias, also known to many as “Candelita.”

In talking about the toughness of the situation, Stearns described not bringing Iglesias back as a chance to open up opportunities for younger players and not have a locked roster of player positions.

“Where we are now with that role on our team, it’s important for us to keep some avenues open for some of our younger players. It’s important for us to have some roster flexibility with that spot,” Stearns said. “Having some flexibility there in that role, frankly, is probably needed for us now.”

In one season with the Mets, Iglesias batted .333/.381/.448, with an .829 OPS. He hit 16 doubles, one triple and four home runs. He had 39 runs scored, 26 RBIs and six stolen bases.

More than just his stats at the plate and in the field, Iglesias made an impact in the clubhouse, on the field and with the fans that goes beyond baseball. At a time when the Mets were struggling, Iglesias released his debut single, “OMG,” and sparked a run that eventually led the Mets to the postseason. The song became the anthem of Queens after its June 28 release at Citi Field following the Mets’ series opener against the Houston Astros.

After the song’s release, the Mets went 55-31, and went on to make it to the National League Championship Series for the first time since 2015.

A sign labeled “OMG” was held up after Mets’ home runs upon the release of the song. While team camaraderie leads teams to success, for the Mets, Candelita’s “OMG” sparked a new excitement for the Mets.

Should this be the end of the Iglesias era with the Mets, he’ll be remembered for the impact he made on the Mets and in New York.

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