The San Diego Padres are making waves this spring, signing veteran shortstop Jose Iglesias to a minor league deal, sources confirm. The unexpected move has stirred reactions across the baseball world, as the former All-Star brings depth and experience to the Padres’ infield.
At 34, Iglesias is known for his flashy defensive plays, steady bat, and ability to provide a spark in key moments. A former standout with the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds, he most recently played in the majors with the Colorado Rockies in 2022, hitting .292 across 118 games. Last season, Iglesias spent time in the Miami Marlins and New York Mets organizations, though he didn’t see MLB action.
Padres’ Infield Shake-Up?
The Padres’ decision to sign Iglesias suggests they’re looking for veteran depth behind Xander Bogaerts, Ha-Seong Kim, and Jake Cronenworth. While the infield appears set, injuries or slumps could open the door for Iglesias to make an impact. His glove work has long been his calling card, but his offensive production has also been solid in recent years.
A Surprise Signing?
Though not a blockbuster move, Iglesias’ signing comes as a surprise, given that he had yet to land with a team this spring. His presence in the Padres’ minor league system provides a low-risk, high-reward option if needed.
Fans and analysts are already speculating whether Iglesias could earn a roster spot by Opening Day. If he performs well in Spring Training, the Padres could consider him a valuable bench piece or even a potential infield platoon player.
With this move, the Padres continue to fine-tune their roster, showing they’re willing to add experienced players to stay competitive in the highly contested NL West. Whether Iglesias makes the Opening Day squad remains to be seen, but his addition certainly adds intrigue to the Padres’ depth chart.
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