By asking for the ball as a keepsake after his first hit with the New York Mets and hustling to first base on every grounder that he hit early on, José Iglesias set a tone. He would not take things for granted. He would play with passion.
After not playing in the major leagues in 2023, Iglesias became integral to the Mets’ success in 2024. The team’s best play coincided with his arrival from Triple A at the end of May. By mid-September, they leaned on him as their everyday second baseman and a mainstay atop the batting order.
It didn’t hurt that along the way he penned a song that drummed up the vibes of the Mets’ season; his postgame concert was one of the highlights of the summer.
Iglesias’ deal probably ranks as the best minor-league signing Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns ever made. Over 291 plate appearances in his age-34 season, Iglesias hit .337 while playing strong defense. He showed better range and boosted his hard-hit rate, so those improvements coupled with his infield versatility should appeal to teams beyond the Mets.
Need in 2025 and beyond
The Mets’ need for someone like Iglesias isn’t as strong as it used to be. Jeff McNeil projects as their everyday second baseman, and prospects such as Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, Luisangel Acuña and Jett Williams rank below him on the depth chart. The Mets may want to explore the market for a veteran backup infielder. Iglesias may have played himself into a larger role elsewhere.
The market
It is not a great time to be looking for answers at second or third base. Gleyber Torres and Alex Bregman represent the only obvious everyday players at the positions, respectively, though shortstops Willy Adames and Ha-Seong Kim could be big additions who move on the infield. Bounce-back candidates Jorge Polanco and Yoan Moncada should hit the open market, as well.
Other teams that might be interested
Iglesias makes a lot of sense for teams looking for a versatile backup or stopgap option on the infield. The Marlins, Angels, Brewers and Athletics fit that bill.
Projected salary
The closest comparison for Iglesias is probably Eric Sogard after the 2019 season when a longtime second-division infielder was coming off an unusually good season in his mid-30s. Sogard signed for a year and $5.5 million in today’s money. The high end for Iglesias is probably the one-year, $8 million contract Whit Merrifield signed at 35 with the Phillies last winter.
What should be the Mets’ level of interest?
As integral as Iglesias was, barring a trade of another returning infielder, there isn’t much room for him in Queens. The Mets have McNeil back as an everyday second baseman. Even if they move Mark Vientos off third base, they’d be more inclined to try Baty or Mauricio there over the veteran Iglesias. And prospects Acuña and Williams could also factor into the infield mix before long.
There are still some scenarios where Iglesias works for the Mets. They could try to move McNeil with two years left on his deal. Or, if they prefer Vientos at first base or DH and want to leave a spot open for a prospect at third base, Iglesias would represent veteran insurance.
Harrison Bader avoided the injured list in 2024. That was a win for Bader, whose production had been zapped by injuries for so long. By staying available all season, he consistently displayed his calling card, playing above-average defense in center field.
There was a problem, however: Increased availability did not boost Bader’s offensive numbers. After a dismal second half (.513 OPS), he finished with 12 home runs, 51 RBIs, 17 stolen bases and a slash line of .236/.284/.373. He lost his starting job to Tyrone Taylor and mostly saw action as a defensive replacement in late September and during the playoffs. Also, Bader’s sprint speed dropped considerably, according to Baseball Savant. It was not exactly the kind of season the 30-year-old probably had in mind heading into free agency again. Still, there were better signs, such as improved numbers against right-handed pitching (.681 OPS compared to .669 for his career in the split) and continued stellar defense according to every fielding metric.
At a premium position like center field, there will continue to be a market for that.
Need in 2025 and beyond
In an ideal world, the Mets would enter 2025 with a prospect just about ready to take the everyday role in center field. But, Drew Gilbert and Jett Williams both missed large chunks of the minor-league season and neither is ready to be part of an Opening Day roster or to supersede any short-term additions. Furthermore, Brandon Nimmo looked less and less like a player capable of playing a full season of above-average defense in center.
So the Mets could be back in the market for a short-term solution, like Bader was last winter.
The market
It’s possible the market is shallower here than anywhere else. With Cody Bellinger opting into his contract with the Cubs, Bader will be the best center fielder available in free agency. Luis Robert highlights the trade market at the position. Bader should be able to land a deal as an everyday center fielder.
Other teams that might be interested
The Royals have long prioritized defense in center field, and Bader provides more with the bat than incumbent Kyle Isbel. The Angels appear ready to move Mike Trout off of center field and lack a viable option there behind the superstar.
Projected salary
Bader’s best comp is … himself from last year. On the one hand, he’s shown he can be healthy for a full year. On the other, he still finished with below-average numbers offensively, slumping big-time in the second half. His glove provides so much value and the market for a quality center fielder is so thin that he should be able to snag right around the one-year, $10.5 million deal he earned last season.
What should be the Mets’ level of interest?
Bader lost the everyday job to Tyrone Taylor as the season went on, and Taylor’s inexpensive team control likely makes Bader redundant in Queens. The Mets could still look to upgrade the position via a trade somewhere, but we’d be surprised if they double-dipped on good defenders with league-average (and below) bats in center.
(Top photo of José Iglesias and Harrison Bader: John McCoy / Getty Images)
