The Mets just pulled off another masterclass in front-office gymnastics—only this time, it looks more like a face-plant. While one team made a savvy move to bolster its roster, New York sat back and watched, leaving fans wondering if there’s an actual strategy or just a dartboard in the GM’s office. Once again, the brutal reality of their decision-making comes into focus.

Jose Iglesias was the one player that was missing in the offseason drama, and now even he is in it. Not him personally, but there are many rumors as to why the New York Mets star player, even after having a stellar 2024 season. Let us look at it as an MLB analyst uncovers the reason.

During a show on Foul Territory, Ken Rosenthal revealed why the New York Mets did not re-sign Iglesias. Rosenthal said, “The reason the Mets did not sign Iglesias was they do not want to clog up their roster with players who cannot be sent back and forth to the minor leagues.” Well, there is your reason, but not all of it.

The Mets want flexibility because they’ve decided to promote some younger talent. Players like Luisangel Acuña and Brett Baty are now a major part of their plans. With these guys in the mix, it will become very difficult for Carlos Mendoza to satisfy the requests of Jose Iglesias.

If he had agreed to sign a minor league deal, it would have been possible. But when you have the kind of season Iglesias had, it would have become difficult. In 2024, Iglesias hit 4 home runs with 26 RBIs in the 85 games he played. This may not look good, but when combined with a .337 batting average and .381 OBP, he is one of the most dependable players. With this, there is no way Jose Iglesias would have signed a new deal.

So, the Mets chose “flexibility” over reliability, letting a .337 hitter walk for nothing. Bold strategy. Maybe their front office believes potential outweighs proven performance, but if those prospects don’t deliver, fans will be left wondering if the real roster clog is happening in the decision-making department.

Jose Iglesias comes clean after being snubbed by the New York Mets

The Mets made their choice, and Jose Iglesias got the message loud and clear—whether it made sense or not. After a season where he practically carried the team’s energy and consistency, New York decided they could do without him. Now, with the Padres, Iglesias isn’t bitter—just surprised. But hey, who needs loyalty when you have “roster flexibility,” right?

Playing with the New York Mets, Iglesias became a fan favorite, and he played a major role in helping the Mets get to the postseason. It was his resurgence that helped the Mets almost reach the World Series. Even after all this, the Mets did not re-sign Iglesias, and now he has spoken out.

During an interview with Iglesias, she said, “It’s surprising, yes. I don’t take it personal at all. It’s completely business. I respect it.” As long as there are no hard feelings, everything is all right. He didn’t expect the team to let him go after a strong season, but he understands the issue and is very happy with the Padres now.

In the end, loyalty in baseball is just a nostalgia trip—nice to remember but not worth betting on. Iglesias may have carried the Mets, but the front office carried on without him. Now with the Padres, he’s moved on, even if the Mets might soon realize what they let slip away.