The Mets’ decision to not re-sign José Iglesias? Let’s just say, it’s looking more and more questionable day by day. The fan favourite remains unsigned and ready to play, while his $1.3M replacement just faced a tragic setback. With things not going as planned, and their infield depth taking a hit, the Mets can no longer ignore the demands for Iglesias’ comeback. For a player who gave it his all and still wants to wear the Mets uniform, their response is frustrating. The fans are pushing hard and the Mets might have to listen.

José Iglesias is a veteran who’s travelled around the MLB circuit, from the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds to the Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Angels, killing it with his smooth glove work at every stadium. In 2023 he was with the Colorado Rockies, boasting a .292 record with a .328 OBP. See? He’s not just a defensive asset, but the whole package. 

But the Mets front office was looking to cut costs and inject some young blood into their 2025 line-up. Thus, despite being a key player, the Mets chose not to re-sign Iglesias this offseason. Instead, they bet on a less-costly option: Nick Madrigal. This move made sense, financially. But strategically, it raised eyebrows. The Mets signed Nick Madrigal for $1.3 million this offseason. Madrigal has a knack for making contact and keeping the line moving, beneficial for the Mets infield. 

Apart from Madrigal, the Mets added some big names to the roster this offseason. Going all-in for 2025, they signed Juan Soto for a record-breaking $765 million deal over 15 years. But despite the star-studded lineup, the infield lacks depth. It isn’t exactly filled with experienced players. To make matters worse, their perfect plan just went off track. 

During a spring training game in West Palm Beach, a tragedy struck the Mets. Madrigal went in with a dive and dislocated his left shoulder. While the MRI results are awaited, early reports suggest he could be out for quite a while. If so then, the infield will be a problem area.

They’ve got Francisco Lindor and Jeff McNeil holding down the fort, but losing Madrigal throws the infield off balance. With the new season commencing soon and no backup plans ready, there’s only one option left: José Iglesias.

Mets Fans Have Spoken: Bring Back José Iglesias!

As soon as the injury news broke out, Mets fans didn’t hesitate to present this option to the team. Comments under a tweet by Anthony DiComo, a Mets beat writer for MLB, showed us what the Mets fans truly want. 

One read, “Mets infielder Nick Madrigal dislocated his left shoulder during today’s game in West Palm Beach. The Mets don’t yet know the severity. They’re waiting for an MRI.”

Mets fans didn’t waste any time in pushing José Iglesias’ return. One fan summed it up simply: “Looks like it’s Candelita time.” Candelita is actually Iglesias’ nickname, which he’s had since he was eight. It means a small candle. After Madrigal’s injury, fans believe now is the perfect time for Candelita to return. For others, it’s not so much about convenient options, but about destiny.

“God wants Iglesias back on the Mets,“ another fan declared. Maybe this injury was the universe’s way of getting the Mets to right their wrongs.

The timing convinced the fans that this wasn’t just a coincidence. “Oh my god, it’s meant to be for Iglesias,” another wrote. Indeed, the timing is lining up too well for the Mets to ignore this. Iglesias wants to come back, the Mets need an infielder. Now the Mets need to put two and two together, but some fans can’t remain patient and want the Mets to act fast.

“Dial 1-800-OMG-JOSE first thing tomorrow morning,“ a fan joked. It should be the first thing in the morning though, with opening day approaching soon, someone else might just take away Iglesias. 

Others skipped all reasoning, “Bring back Iglesias”, another fan wrote. Putting it bluntly, no debates and analysis anymore. And if the choice wasn’t already made obvious enough, another fan offered to recommend a player to the Mets. “What a coincidence. I know of a really good infielder, one who has immaculate vibes and aura, who’s available & who has openly said he wants to be a Met 🤓.“ This humorously cryptic comment speaks of the Veteran’s desire to play for the Mets again. 

MLB insider Jon Heyman in an interview with the New York Post, “He is still hoping for a call from the Mets. He does have major league offers, and he might have to sign elsewhere.” Heyman suggests, “certainty is a question here.” With the Mets’ offensive lineup already filled with big names, it’s uncertain whether Iglesias will return. However José Iglesias has made it clear, now it’s the Mets’ move.