Why the Mets Are Making a Mistake by Not Bringing Back José Iglesias
When the New York Mets chose to let José Iglesias walk in the offseason instead of bringing him back for another year, they made a move that may, in hindsight, come back to haunt them. While their front office likely had good reasons for this decision, it’s worth exploring why not re-signing the veteran shortstop could be viewed as a mistake in both the short and long term.
1. Iglesias’ Defensive Prowess
First and foremost, José Iglesias is renowned for his defensive capabilities, particularly at shortstop. Over his career, he’s been regarded as one of the premier defenders in the league. With a career defensive WAR (dWAR) that consistently ranks near the top among shortstops, Iglesias brings an elite level of glove work that is difficult to replace.
In 2021, Iglesias posted a solid .982 fielding percentage and a 1.6 dWAR, showing just how effective he can be on defense. While the Mets’ front office likely saw other needs for the team, losing an elite defender like Iglesias is a tough pill to swallow, especially when the Mets have struggled defensively in the past.
Though the Mets have players like Francisco Lindor in their infield, Iglesias’ defense would have provided a significant upgrade over other options. His glove can save runs and prevent errors, something that isn’t as easily quantifiable but is invaluable to a team aiming for a postseason push. If the Mets had brought Iglesias back, they would have added a level of reliability on the left side of their infield that is hard to replicate, especially given that injuries and inconsistent defense have often plagued them in recent seasons.
2. Iglesias’ Bat Has Proven Useful
While it’s true that Iglesias isn’t a slugger by any means, he offers a level of consistency that many teams find invaluable in a utility or middle-infield role. He can provide solid, contact-based at-bats, and he offers a stable presence at the bottom of the lineup. In 2021, Iglesias posted a .292/.328/.380 line, with a 102 OPS+, slightly above league average. Not eye-popping numbers, but certainly serviceable.
For a team like the Mets, whose offense can sometimes be streaky, Iglesias’ ability to make contact and avoid strikeouts is valuable. His batting average remains high, and he typically produces in key situations, making him a trustworthy option when needed. While his offensive numbers might not necessarily “wow” fans, his ability to consistently put the bat on the ball and get on base could have played a role in bolstering the Mets’ bench depth.
Moreover, Iglesias is a player who can handle a variety of roles. Whether as a starting shortstop on a day when Lindor needs rest or as a late-game defensive replacement, his versatility is a trait that could have come in handy. His reliability as a bat off the bench would have also made him a useful asset in any pinch-hitting situation, offering a steady bat and excellent plate discipline.
3. The Mets’ Infield Depth Is Shaky
The Mets’ infield depth has been a persistent concern for several years. While Francisco Lindor is locked in as the everyday shortstop, the rest of the infield has often been a revolving door of players trying to find consistency. Jeff McNeil has been a key piece for the Mets, but questions about his long-term future at second base persist. The same can be said about Eduardo Escobar, who has proven to be valuable but inconsistent.
Iglesias, on the other hand, would have provided depth and stability. His presence on the roster would have given the Mets an additional, reliable option at shortstop, second base, or third base in case of injury or underperformance from other players. Depth is critical for a team competing for a playoff spot, and the Mets have been without this kind of safety net at times. Iglesias would have filled that void and provided an option to move players around, ensuring the infield was always stable.
Moreover, given that the Mets have often had to rely on a rotating cast of players due to injuries, Iglesias’ steady presence in the infield would have taken pressure off the team to scramble for replacements when a starter goes down. Having Iglesias around would have given manager Buck Showalter a reliable, experienced veteran to call upon, reducing the need to rely on less proven players who might not be able to step up in critical moments.
4. Jose Iglesias’ Leadership and Experience
It’s often said that in baseball, as with many team sports, veterans provide value beyond their on-field stats. José Iglesias is a proven leader and has extensive experience in the majors, having played for several teams and with some of the best. His leadership qualities are not quantifiable by traditional metrics but are nonetheless invaluable in the clubhouse.
As a seasoned veteran, Iglesias has the type of poise and maturity that can help young players develop and navigate the ups and downs of a long season. His experience in the postseason and in high-leverage situations could have been a valuable asset to the Mets, especially with players like Lindor, McNeil, and Pete Alonso trying to continue their development in high-stakes situations.
Veteran leadership like Iglesias’ can help maintain focus and discipline during stretches of the season when the pressure builds. His calm, steady demeanor could have served as a stabilizing force in the locker room during both good and bad times. It’s these intangible aspects of Iglesias’ personality and experience that make him a player a team doesn’t want to let slip through their fingers.
5. Cost-Effectiveness
Another major factor to consider is Iglesias’ cost. The Mets could have re-signed him at a relatively low cost compared to many other free-agent shortstops or utility players available. Iglesias isn’t a player who demands a huge salary, making him an affordable option for a team looking to shore up its infield depth without breaking the bank.
In a market where many teams have overspent on other positions, Iglesias could have provided the Mets with a solid return on a smaller investment. Given that the Mets have deep pockets, the decision not to bring him back seems even more puzzling when considering the relatively low cost of re-signing him.
6. The Impact on the Mets’ 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, the Mets’ decision to not re-sign Iglesias could also have repercussions for their future. While they are certainly in the midst of a competitive window, their long-term plan still relies on developing young players and bolstering their overall depth. Iglesias’ veteran experience, coupled with his ability to step in when needed, would have helped provide a smooth transition as they continue to develop their next wave of talent.
Furthermore, his leadership and mentorship could have played a key role in helping younger players like Francisco Álvarez and Brett Baty adjust to the rigors of Major League Baseball. The Mets will need reliable veterans to help mentor their future stars, and Iglesias could have filled that role seamlessly.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
In the end, the Mets’ decision to not bring back José Iglesias represents a missed opportunity to strengthen their roster both in the short and long term. His defense, versatility, leadership, and cost-effectiveness make him a valuable asset to any team, and for the Mets, his absence leaves a noticeable gap in their depth chart. While they may have other plans or strategies in place, there’s no doubt that Iglesias would have provided a steady, reliable presence for the team both on and off the field. The Mets may come to regret not bringing him back as the season progresses, and in hindsight, this could be one of those decisions that looks much worse in retrospect.
