What Jose Iglesias’ departure means for the New York Mets in 2025

Few batted an eye when the Mets signed the 2015 All-Star to a minor league deal last winter. Iglesias did not make the Opening Day roster and began the 2024 season with Triple-A Syracuse. But after a late-May call-up, he quickly became a fan favorite.

Iglesias, 35, slashed .337/.381/.448 with four home runs, 16 doubles, and 39 runs across 85 games with the Mets. He provided solid defense at third (+4 DRS, +2 OAA) and second (+1 DRS, +1 OAA) while also serving as Francisco Lindor’s primary backup at shortstop.

Beyond his on-field contributions, Iglesias’ clubhouse presence was key to the Mets' turnaround in 2024. After an early 22-33 start to the season, his hit song “OMG” energized the fan base and became a rallying cry during their unexpected run to the NLCS.

Still, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns chose to go in a different direction for 2025, emphasizing the need for roster flexibility and opportunities for younger infielders. The team did sign versatile infielder Nick Madrigal to a split contract, which would have allowed him to be optioned to the minors and stay with the organization as depth without first passing through waivers.

Unfortunately, Madrigal suffered a likely season-ending shoulder injury on Feb. 23. However, that news did not change the Mets’ stance, as Newsday's Tim Healey reported the following day that Iglesias was still not considered a fit with multiple in-house options available.

Those options include former first-rounder Brett Baty, No. 7 prospect Luisangel Acuña, and No. 10 prospect Ronny Mauricio—each of whom are now in line for significant opportunities with the big league club this season.