Jose Iglesias of the Colorado Rockies throws to first during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on August 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
By Julian Guilarte
World Baseball Network
Infielder José Iglesias opted out of his deal with the San Diego Padres on June 19. MLB reporter Mark Feinsand reported the news on Twitter.
Iglesias, 33, will become a free agent unless he’s added to the Padres big league roster. Iglesias played with the Padres Triple-A affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas.
Iglesias also opted out with the Padres on May 26, but was unable to find an MLB deal. He returned to the Chihuahuas and has played 28 games there. Iglesias hit four home runs, driven in 27 runs and has an OPS of .893 in Triple-A this season.
It’s been a long journey for Iglesias to try and get back to MLB this season. He started the year at spring training via a non-roster invite from the Miami Marlins, but opted out after not making their MLB club before opening day. Iglesias has played most of his career as a shortstop, but has also seen some time at second base and third base down in the minors this season.
Last season, he played 118 games for the Colorado Rockies and hit three home runs, drove in 47 runs and had an OPS of .708. In 2021, he spent most of his season with the Los Angeles Angels before he was released by them in September. He the went back to the Boston Red Sox, who originally signed him 2009 as an international amateur free agent.
Iglesias defected from the Cuban junior national team in 2008. He debuted with the Red Sox in 2011 and played with them for through 2013. He was traded to the Detroit Tigers in a three-team deal that involved the Chicago White Sox. He spent five seasons with the Tigers. From 2019 to 2020, Iglesias bounced around from the Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles.
The Cuban native has played 11 MLB seasons with five different teams, making one All-Star appearance. Iglesias stuck in the majors due to his glove and contact skills. He has 47 career home runs, 366 RBI and 59 stolen bases. Iglesias is a .279 lifetime hitter with an OPS of .701.