Jose Iglesias had a baseball season last season that made you believe in plots. Wearing the blue and orange uniform of the New York Mets, he had a career-high 137 wRC+, glistened with his typical defensive brilliance, and, with his well-known song “OMG,” became something of a clubhouse spirit guide. He was a vibe in addition to being a dependable infielder.
But despite all the feel-good energy and output, the Mets elected to close the book. Not only did they not re-sign him, they didn’t even open the cover on a fresh chapter. No deal. Not even the faintest hint of one.
A Cold Shoulder from Queens
Speaking to Anthony Rieber of Newsday, Iglesias stated, “I did not receive any offer from them at all.” The weight of an offseason of waiting, hoping, and then letting go was borne by just one statement. “To get something and return home was the objective,” he continued. “However, the New York Mets never extended an offer to me.”
Imagine arriving at the dance in your finest attire only to discover that you were not invited. Iglesias had a similar type of sting. He assumed he would be a part of it all again and believed in the culture they were creating and the enthusiasm in the dugout. The Mets took a different approach instead, aiming for a deeper, younger infield. It was up to Iglesias to turn the page.
A New Chapter in San Diego
Baseball, a vocation that has always been migratory, led Iglesias west. Not exactly the red carpet, but enough to keep the dream alive, the San Diego Padres signed him to a minor league contract. He worked his way into the major leagues, and although his hitting hasn’t really improved (.225/.281/.270 through 28 games), he has secured a place in a new clubhouse.
However, the feeling of unresolved matters with the Mets? That hasn’t diminished.
One Dream, One Swing
Iglesias dreamed shortly after arriving with San Diego. A real, REM-cycle dream, not a metaphor. He remarked, “I dreamed that I had a walk-off hit against the Mets.” A blooper over their first baseman was made. In my dream, I defeated the Mets handily, and we advanced to the World Series.
Sports are based on this form of poetic retaliation, when a player who was fired returns to punish the team that let him go. Iglesias obviously keeps that moment with him, like a chip on his shoulder wrapped in a glove in his locker, regardless of whether the dream comes true.
The Mets have flipped the page with a pipeline of young infielders eager to write their own narrative. However, according to Iglesias, the novel isn’t finished yet; it simply has a new location and a surprising narrative twist in the ninth inning.
