Why Jose Iglesias makes sense as a low-cost option to add OMG to the Miami Marlins

How Jose Iglesias Could Help On the Field

New York Mets' breakout star Jose Iglesias profiles as a perfect short-term option for Miami. The 12-year MLB veteran and journeyman found new life as a key contributor to the Mets NLCS run. A career .283 hitter, Iglesias set a career-high with a blistering .337 average across 270 at-bats.

While the last career bust in batting average is likely to regress to the mean, he is still a very dangerous contact hitter. Additionally, Iglesias has long drawn praise for his skilled glovework. The former top prospect once had Gold Glove aspirations. Even at 34 years old Iglesias's defense regularly drew praise from the Mets' broadcast team and fans alike.

He has the instincts, glove skills, and range to properly man the shortstop position, while also making consistent contributions as a hitter. While he mostly played 2B and 3B in New York, Iglesias has primarily been a shortstop throughout his career and played the position full-time as recently as 2022.

How Iglesias Could Help Off the Field

Spotrac currently has Iglesias' market value set at just $1.7 million per season. While this will likely jump after his heroics with the Mets, it stands to reason he will remain a low-cost option that would fit in the Marlinss budget.

Iglesias' value as a clubhouse presence also cannot be overstated. His "OMG" movement was the perfect anthem for the underdog Mets in 2024. His energy, leadership, and consistency in the clubhouse had a tangible effect on his club's on-field play.

The Marlins are currently undergoing a franchise reset under new President Peter Bendix. Manager Skip Schumaker and his entire staff have all been let go. And the club is attempting to establish a new identity as they set their focus on the future.

The Verdict

What better way to instill a healthy clubhouse culture for the young Marlins core than by adding a veteran like Jose Iglesias?

Off the field, he would immediately become a clubhouse leader and culture setter. If the price is right, adding a breakout player from the 2024 postseason would also be a low-budget jolt of excitement for the Fish's fanbase.

Additionally, the veteran could also serve as a mentor to players like Norby, Edwards, and Lopez. The latter two have parts of their game that align well with Iglesias' strengths. Who better to serve as a mentor?

On the field, he could man the everyday role at shortstop. This would free Norby and Edwards to compete for the full-time spot at 2B, with Norby continuing to work on his 3B defense (and Edwards potentially focusing some offseason effort in center field). Lopez could then become a Jon-Berti-like super-utility man, finding consistent at-bats from across the field. With Jake Burger and Jonah Bride cycling through first base, third base, and Designated Hitter, adding Iglesias would help each player solidify a set, more natural role in the infield.