OFFICIAL: Iglesias Era Ends in Flushing! David Stearns Confirms Mets Shortstop Departure
After months of speculation, it seems the “OMG” era has come to an end for the New York Mets.
On Wednesday, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns was asked why the organization had not re-signed veteran utility infielder Jose Iglesias. He explained that the team needed roster flexibility to avoid being stuck with a “frozen” position player roster—a risk they admittedly got away with for part of last season.
“I think where we are now for that role on our team, it’s important for us to keep some avenues open for some of our younger players,” Stearns said. “It’s important for us to have some roster flexibility with that spot.”
According to Pat Ragazzo of On SI , the Mets had extended Iglesias a one-year offer before signing versatile infielder Nick Madrigal to a split contract at the end of January. Ultimately, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement.
Iglesias, 35, posted a .337/.381/.448 slash line with four home runs, 16 doubles, and 39 runs in 85 games after the Mets called him up in late May. He provided solid defense at third (+4 DRS, +2 OAA) and second (+1 DRS, +1 OAA), while also serving as Francisco Lindor’s primary backup at shortstop.
