Yesterday, renowned journalist Mark Feinsand revealed via his Twitter account that according to his sources, Cuban José Iglesias had reached a minor league agreement with the San Diego Padres.
The native of Mayabeque, Cuba arrived late for Spring Training with the Marlins this season, he did so on the same date as Yuli Gurriel, but he did not receive the same opportunity to earn a starting spot as the first baseman did with the ball club.
Iglesias, before getting out of his Minor League contract with the Marlins, was in extended spring training and was not called up to the big club when the starting shortstop (Joey Wendle) ended up being placed on the IL April 4th. Instead Garrett Hampson, a player who was a teammate of Iglesias with the Rockies last season, was the infielder chosen by the club to take Wendle’s place on the roster.
In 2022 Iglesias had one his best years at the plate with the Rockies slashing .292/.328/.380/.708, with 128 hits, 30 doubles, three home runs and 47 RBIs. In the majors, Iglesias has 11 of experience experience with six different teams (Boston, Detroit, Baltimore, Reds, Angels and Colorado). He also has swatted over 1,000 hits in MLB (1,051) and presents a very respectable slash line for a shortstop (.279/.319/.382/.701).
We must now wait to see how the Padres will use the Cuban shortstop, because with stars like Fernando Tatis Jr and Xander Bogaerts on the roster, there shouldn’t be many opportunities for the Cuban at short. “Candelita” can also play second and third, this might find a spot for him as the utilityman for the friars.