The New York Mets failed in their attempt to replicate the positive clubhouse atmosphere of their 2024 roster last season.
The Mets collapsed in the second half, missing out on the playoffs by one game at 83-79, a year after unexpectedly making it to the National League Championship Series as a wild-card team. The four players with the longest tenure on the team this offseason—Pete Alonso, Edwin DÃaz, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil—were then let go.
However, one insider believes that the Mets could still use another free-agent acquisition, even if they think they are in a strong position to make a comeback to the postseason following some high-profile additions in trades and free agency. This is due to the fact that in 2024, the player in question played a significant role in that clubhouse culture.
Jose Iglesias, a 13-year veteran infielder who suddenly produced All-Star-caliber stats in 85 games in New York during the 2024 season, was pushed by Jon Heyman of the New York Post on Thursday to seek a return with the Mets.
Heyman added, “The Mets, (San Diego) Padres, and (Boston) Red Sox should all consider Jose Iglesias, who remains at home in North Miami, ready and waiting for a call.”
‘ stats plummeted during the previous season, going from a 136 OPS+ and 3.1 bWAR with the Mets to a 66 OPS+ and negative-0.7 bWAR with the Padres. The journeyman, who was born in Cuba, is starting his 36th season.
Iglesias’ accomplishments on the field during that surprise 2024 run will be remembered by Mets fans just as well as his alter ego, pop sensation “Candelita,” and hit song “OMG.” Is there any chance the Mets will give Iglesias an encore, though, given their current abundance of infield depth?
