Oct 16, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets second base Jose Iglesias (11) reacts during players introductions before game three of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Insider reveals why Mets moved on from Jose Iglesias

Originally posted on New York Mets on SI | By Troy Brock | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 12:00 PM ET

The reverberations are still felt around the New York Mets organization after fan favorite Jose Iglesias signed with the San Diego Padres . The team had a reason for moving on, however, and MLB insider Ken Rosenthal recently revealed why.

Iglesias is not a player you look at as the best player on a team. But he is someone who the fans can get behind, and his drive and tenacity can prove to be the spark a team needs in the dog days of summer.

For the Mets, Iglesias served as both that fan favorite and the spark plug they needed in 2024. After starting the season with a 24-35 record, the veteran (and international pop star) helped turn the tide with the team playing 65-38 the rest of the way to finish the year at 89-73 and a spot in the playoffs.

Jose Iglesias in his time with the Mets:

.337 AVG
.829 OPS
4 HR
26 RBI

THANK YOU JOSE pic.twitter.com/FqTRWck8im
— MetsMuse (@MetsMuse) March 5, 2025

The Mets' brass decided earlier in the offseason that they would be better off without Iglesias, despite the massive public outcry for the team to bring him back. The fans did not get their wish, and the veteran signed a minor league deal with the Padres on March 5.

In a recent episode of the podcast "Foul Territory," MLB insider Ken Rosenthal was asked by Alanna Rizzo why the Mets chose not to bring back Iglesias. Rosenthal shed a little more light on the subject.

This article first appeared on New York Mets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: