A new season, a fresh start. That’s the Mets’ mindset as they try to erase the nightmare that was 2024. But in their rush to rebuild, they may have left behind one of their biggest bright spots from last year: José Iglesias. The unsung hero of 2024 is still out there, unsigned, waiting. The silence from the Mets? Deafening. For a player who gave everything and still wants to be part of the squad, the question looms: Has Iglesias been forgotten, or is there a twist coming in this tale?

Yes, the Mets are reportedly done with Jose Iglesias, and the major reason may be his age and enough alternative options included in the team. While it is true that Iglesias’ 22-game hitting streak and versatility offered last year are hard to match, the addition of Pete Alonso and Juan Soto may still work fine. He’s not ready to say goodbye, though. Reports say he’s trying to find his way back to Queens, but will the Mets answer the call? And if they don’t, where does that leave him? Is there still a place for Iglesias in MLB, or is he running out of time?

Jose Iglesias is still a game-changer

Even though Iglesias is 35 now and might well past his prime, his last year’s performance says otherwise. For the Mets, the veteran infielder recorded a .337 batting average along with a .830 OPS. Moreover, except for the first base, he had played in every other infield option, offering better flexibility to the team. The total 85 games played by Jose Iglesias last year helped the Mets post a 66-40 record, the best in MLB! Four home runs and 26 RBIs? Not exactly jaw-dropping. But José Iglesias’ true value went beyond the numbers. His versatility, reliability, and spark were priceless for the Mets last season. So, it’s no surprise that he’s expected to land a deal for 2025. Because players like him don’t just fade away.

The Mets had other plans, and they went ahead, getting Soto and Alonso to pace up their offense, and signing Nick Madrigal indicates it’s all over for Iglesias. “He is still hoping for a call from the Mets. He does have major league offers and he might have to sign elsewhere,” said MLB insider Jon Heyman to the New York Post Sports. Jose Iglesias seems still to see the Mets as his most logical destination, but certainty is a question here. Will the Mets prefer to field Iglesias over Soto or Alonso? Seems unlikely. So what is left for Iglesias going forward? From Heyman’s words, it is clear that he has a few major league offers in hand.

Multiple options ahead 

“It hurts because we started something that ..isn’t finished yet”, Iglesias shared his disappointment for being snubbed by the Mets. Fans are also left wondering about the Mets’ unwillingness to get Iglesias to strengthen the rotation if not placed on the starting roster. What can be better than placing Jose Iglesias behind Soto and Alonso at the bases? While for the Mets, Jose Iglesias is still a better option to go this year, the former should now look for other opportunities. Reportedly, the Yankees are interested in Iglesias for their vulnerable infield.

The Yankees are looking for a solution in the infield, and it doesn’t get much better than José Iglesias. With DJ LeMahieu struggling due to injury issues, Iglesias would be a perfect fit—even if it’s just for a one-year deal. But it’s all on Iglesias now. He can’t afford to sit around waiting for something that may never come. Age is catching up, and he needs to seize every opportunity. As for Mets fans, it’s looking like the OMG singer isn’t coming back anytime soon—unless the front office changes their mind. 

Jose Iglesias has just a few more years left to offer, and going by his recent performance, a short-term deal can plug a few gaps for any other teams out there. What do you think about Iglesias’s chance with the Mets?