Are the Mets bracing up to get back Jose Iglesias? As stunning as it sounds, emerging situations might force the team for the same! While it was a major fan-upsetting moment, when the Mets decided to move away from Iglesias, they roped in Nick Madrigal to fill 2B. However, now it’s a Twist of tale for the Mets! Madrigal is reportedly injured and will be out of action for an indefinite period.
Who will lead the baton now? What other options are left for the Mets other than opting for Jose Iglesias? Well, nothing will be better than placing their ever-reliable Iglesias in his staple position. A few points went against Iglesias, and the Mets ultimately went for Madrigal, but it’s now or never for the team. Hence, slamming the door on Jose Iglesias might not work now, and the Mets need to swallow the bitter pill this time. What are the probable options left for the Mets currently?
Favorable situation for Jose Iglesias’ return
The major reason behind the Mets moving away from Jose Iglesias is his age. He is 35 now and could not be in the long-term planning of the team. The team looked forward and went ahead. But at what cost? Losing out on a player with 4 HRs and 26 RBIs from the last year and getting Madrigal with 0 homers and 10 RBIs. Now that Madrigal dislocated his left shoulder while playing shortstop in Sunday’s split-squad game against the Nationals, Mets Insiders are also looking at Jose Iglesias again as the backup.
And this is why you want to have as much depth as possible. We’ll see how long this puts him out for…but feels like a time to consider Candelita… https://t.co/ph8YsOzxLi
— Jake Brown (@JakeBrownRadio) February 23, 2025
“And this is why you want to have as much depth as possible. We’ll see how long this puts him out for…but feels like a time to consider Candelita,” said Mets Radio insider Jake Brown about the options left for the team. Yes, bench strength is the area the Mets are lagging in this year, and now the internal replacement for Madrigal is next to impossible. Infield options left for the Mets are Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña, Ronny Mauricio, Donovan Walton, and Jared Young. Does anyone possess the same skill as Iglesias? Debatable!
The best ways forward for the Mets
Further updates regarding Nick Magridal are awaited, Jose Iglesias is still a free agent. The Mets got Acuna to replace him, but will they? With Madrigal, the Mets have the advantage of a split contract, which includes different salaries for playing at the majors and Triple-A. This will not work with Iglesias. Moreover, signing Iglesias would create less roster flexibility to move prospects like Acuna and Mauricio on and off the big league roster during the season. A veteran does come with its own merits and demerits compared to the rookies.
Iglesias has the advantage of offering reliability both at shortstop and 2B. During his tenure with the team last year, the Mets posted a 66–40 record, the best in MLB. Acuna amassed 7 homers and 50 RBI in 131 games in the minor leagues and is yet to play a full year in the majors. Brett Baty can be a potent option with 4 homers and 16 RBIs, but he plays at 3B. Hence, all criteria are pointing towards a potential return of Iglesias. The regular season is about to start, and less time is available for the Mets to experiment rather than getting a proven player in the stable.
Jose Iglesias is the most potent option available from free agency. His experience and skills are on his side, and he can be a good short-term option for the Mets this year. What do you think about replacing Madrigal? Share your thoughts below.
The post Mets Radio Insider Slams the Door on Jose Iglesias’ Return in Favor of More Potent Option appeared first on EssentiallySports.
