Yesterday, Cuban shortstop José “Candelita” Iglesias “Candelita” Iglesias decided to opt-out of the minor league contract that he had agreed to with the Marlins a little over a month ago (March 10), according to journalist Mark Feinsand’s Twitter account.
The shortstop from Mayabeque,Cuba was a late signee by the Marlins this spring, he in fact signed on the same date as Yuli Gurriel. But unlike the first baseman he did not receive the opportunity to earn a starting role and despite the poor performance of some infilders on the big club, he was not called up to majors during his time with the fish.
José Iglesias was in extended spring training until his opt-out , but his services were not requested by the team when the starting shortstop (Joey Wendle) was sent to the disabled list on April 4, instead Garret Hampson, a player who played last season with “Candelita” on the Rockies is the infielder who was called up to replace Wendle on the active roster.
Jose Iglesias has opted out of his deal with the #Marlins. Sucks to see him go as I thought there could possibly be a spot for him on this team, but he is now a free agent and can sign wherever he wants.
— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) April 20, 2023
Jon Berti (.224, 1 HR) is the infielder who has played the most games for the Marlins at shortstop in this 2023 with 14 starts to his name. Berti has been impeccable on defense and has not made any errors so far this season. He has also played in two games at third base spelling Jean Segura (.186).
Hampson has only seen action in nine games this season and in 20 at-bats he has had three hits (.222). In 2022 with Colorado Iglesias had one of his best years of his career slashing .292/.328/.380/.708, with 128 hits, 30 doubles, three home runs and 47 RBIs.
He also has big league experience with Detroit, Boston, LA Angels, Cincinnati and the Orioles. Perhaps at some point in the year and depending on the circumstances he will be signed by another franchise. In hindsight his signing with the Marlins might not have been the best move for his career.