The New York Mets made waves this offseason with high-profile acquisitions, securing star players like Juan Soto and Pete Alonso. However, one under-the-radar signing that could have had significant implications was the addition of former No. 4 overall draft pick Nick Madrigal. The Mets inked Madrigal to a one-year, $1.35 million contract, a move that initially seemed like a smart depth addition but has now taken an unfortunate turn.
Madrigal, who was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox, spent three seasons with them before being traded to the crosstown Chicago Cubs. Unfortunately, his offensive numbers declined sharply over the past two seasons, with his OPS plummeting from .663 in 2023 to a disappointing .535 last year. The Cubs ultimately decided to non-tender him, making him a free agent and allowing the Mets to swoop in.
However, Madrigal’s time in New York has already hit a major roadblock. During a spring training game against the Washington Nationals, he suffered a dislocated left shoulder, which an MRI later revealed to be fractured. The severity of the injury has sidelined him for what the team is calling “a long time,” forcing the Mets to place him on the 60-day injured list. This unexpected setback leaves New York in a tough spot, as they now lack a reliable backup option behind their veteran shortstop, Francisco Lindor.
With infield depth suddenly becoming a pressing concern, speculation has begun about how the Mets might address the issue. One name that has surfaced as a potential solution is veteran shortstop José Iglesias. The 35-year-old Cuban infielder, who has played for seven MLB teams over his 12-year career, is currently among the 65 remaining unsigned free agents. Given his affordability—comparable to Madrigal’s contract—he could be a viable option for the Mets.
Iglesias has had an eventful career since defecting from Cuba in 2008 and signing with the Boston Red Sox in 2009. Though he did not play in 2023, he resurfaced with the Mets in 2024 on a one-year, $1.5 million deal and went on to have a remarkable season. Not only did he post career-best offensive numbers (excluding the shortened 2020 season), slashing .337 with an .830 OPS in 291 plate appearances, but he also became an unexpected cultural sensation.
Under the stage name “Candelita,” Iglesias recorded the Latin music hit “OMG,” which skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Latin music charts. The song became an unofficial anthem for the Mets and played a key role in energizing the team during their remarkable playoff run. With Iglesias in the lineup, the Mets defied expectations, advancing all the way to the National League Championship Series before falling to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in six games.
Given the Mets’ current situation, many analysts believe Iglesias would be a logical replacement for Madrigal. Empire Sports Media founder Alexander Wilson recently highlighted Iglesias as the ideal solution for the Mets’ infield depth issues, noting his veteran presence and likely affordability. Similarly, Jake Elman of Athlon Sports echoed this sentiment, arguing that Iglesias remains a perfect fit due to his familiarity with New York, his status as a fan favorite, and the minimal risk involved in signing him to a one-year deal.
However, not everyone is convinced that a reunion is likely. Steve Adams of the MLB Trade Rumors podcast expressed skepticism, pointing out that Iglesias does not have minor league options. That means any deal would likely need to be a major league contract, which could complicate the Mets’ roster plans. Additionally, Newsday Mets beat writer Tim Healey reported that despite losing Madrigal, the team does not view Iglesias as a fit for their 2025 roster.
According to Spotrac, Iglesias is projected to command a one-year, $1.7 million deal if signed. While the financial aspect of the move wouldn’t be a major obstacle, the Mets seem hesitant to make the commitment. As things stand, Iglesias remains a free agent, and unless the Mets reconsider their stance, they will have to find another way to shore up their infield depth as the season approaches.
GOOD-NEWS: After Nick Madrigal’s injury, The Powerhouse management of Mets who mastermind big trade moves for Pete Alonso and Juan Soto Has Just Proposed a blockbuster deal with MLB state and fan favourite and he’s Walking Away With A Jaw-Dropping $1.7 million Deal
