Jose Iglesias, a former Detroit Tigers All-Star shortstop, is set to begin his 13th season in Major League Baseball after signing a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres this week. Iglesias will join the Padres’ major league camp for the remainder of spring training, where he will compete for a spot on the team’s roster.
Iglesias played for the Tigers from 2013 to 2018, with a brief injury hiatus in 2014. His tenure with the team reached its peak in 2015, when he earned an All-Star selection after hitting .300 in 120 games. However, his production began to decline after that, and he left the Tigers as a free agent following the 2018 season.
Since leaving Detroit, Iglesias has had stints with several MLB teams, including the Orioles, Angels, Red Sox, Rockies, and most recently the Mets. Last season, Iglesias played 85 games for the Mets, posting an impressive .337 batting average, proving he still has plenty of ability at the plate.
Now, with the Padres, Iglesias is looking to prove he can still contribute at a high level in the big leagues. His experience and strong defensive skills, along with his recent success at the plate, make him an intriguing addition to San Diego’s spring training lineup. Iglesias, 34, will be looking to secure a spot on the Padres’ roster, where he could provide veteran depth to the team’s infield for the upcoming season.
