While the Mets still have the opportunity to re-sign veteran infielder Jose Iglesias before the regular season begins, it’s now safe to say the “OMG” era belongs in the past as a fond memory.
In his first media availability of spring training, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns was asked about the team’s current interest in Iglesias, and essentially acknowledged that they’ve turned the page. The Mets are instead placing greater value on their internal infield options that offer more versatility.
“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 explained in Port St. Lucie. “It’s important for us to have some roster flexibility with that spot. It’s really tough to freeze your entire position player roster. We did that for a portion last year and we actually got away with it.
“But there easily could’ve been a circumstance where we got stuck with a completely frozen position player roster. So, having some flexibility there in that role is frankly probably needed for us right now.”
Iglesias, who was a fan favorite on and off the field in 2024, played a significant role in the Mets’ midseason turnaround and deep postseason run. The 35-year-old produced arguably the best year of his career, hitting .337 with 21 extra-base hits, 26 RBI, and a 137 OPS-plus in just 85 games. Iglesias’ all-around play and vibes weren’t taken for granted. The fanbase cherished him.
But the Mets are entering the 2025 campaign with a new-look roster featuring a crop of young talent, and moving on from Iglesias reaffirms the team’s plan to offer bigger opportunities to depth pieces like Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña, and Ronny Mauricio. They also recently signed Nick Madrigal, who’ll compete for infield reps in camp.
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