José Iglesias has had a storied career and has been a very underrated player over his 13 years in the majors. The versatile infielder slashes .280/.322/.381/.702 with 51 homeruns and 416 runs batted in over 4,250 trips to the plate.
Iglesias was selected to his only All-Star Game in 2015 and was the runner-up for the Rookie of the Year in 2013 when he split the season between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers.
Today as he is in tail end of his career, Iglesias has become a key contributor off the bench and a mentor for the younger players on the San Diego Padres roster. Although he has done it under-the-radar José Iglesias has had a very productive MLB career.
How do you feel about being in Miami, this time in a Padres uniform?
Miami is my home. I’m happy to be with my family, to be back in the Sun City. This time with the Padres, a team that opened its doors to me again this year. I’m very happy to be with Manny, Bogi, Tatis, and Arráez, whom I’ve known for years. Sharing the same uniform with them is a blessing.
You’re coming from a competitive team to one with aspirations. Has it been difficult adapting to this new dynamic?
They’re different cultures; you have to get used to new ideologies and ways of doing things. But at the end of the day, it’s about winning games, and that’s where they’re very similar.
You’ve been in the Major Leagues for 13 seasons now. Did you imagine you’d get this far?
Honestly, no. When I left Cuba and crossed the border, I didn’t think about the Major Leagues for a single day. I just thanked God I was alive. We’re human beings, not robots. I’m proud to have been able to stay in the game of baseball for over 10 years, a sport that becomes more demanding every season.
What are you most proud of throughout this career?
Representing the Latino community, and especially the Cubans, with love and respect. Continuing at this level, consistently, and continuing to be useful in any role they ask of me.
How has the transition been to coming off the bench?
This is the first time in my career that I’m not an everyday player and coming off the bench. But the manager seems to like it because he’s using me quite a bit. When they give me the opportunity, I give it my all. Sometimes I start when someone needs a rest, other times I come in as a pinch-hitter. And most of the time I have a key at-bat in the game.
What has changed in your routine to adapt to this role?
It’s been a day-to-day adjustment. Learning when and how to prepare, physical and mental management. Many factors change. But after so many years, it’s been relatively easy. I feel comfortable in this role, right at the point I’m at in my career.
How do you manage to stay competitive at this point?
I think my game speaks for itself. I’ve had good seasons, I help with the glove, I run well, and I’m opportune in key moments. Metrically, you can’t ask for apples from a mango tree. I’m a mango… and the Padres like mangoes. So here I am, eating mangoes, and happy to be here.
You’ve always been an elite defender. Do you think defense is still undervalued?
Every team values different things. This team, for example, values winning. They look at the analytics, but also at what really helps them win. Defense, covering multiple positions, being reliable—that’s what keeps you in the game. Look at (Miguel) Rojas in Los Angeles, for example. That’s why we’re still here.