Jose Iglesias was more than just a name on the New York Mets’ 2024 roster—he was the soul of a team that battled its way to the League Championship Series. His hit song, OMG, echoed through Citi Field as the unofficial anthem of the season, setting the tone for countless rallies. But Iglesias brought more than just energy and vibes; he delivered on the field with an impressive 137 wRC+ and 2.5 fWAR, solidifying his status as not just a clubhouse favorite, but a true impact player.
For weeks, Mets fans were left puzzled, questioning why the front office didn’t make a more aggressive effort to re-sign Jose Iglesias. He seemed to offer everything a team could ask for—leadership, consistent production, and that elusive, intangible spark that binds a roster together. Despite checking all the boxes, the Mets never fully pursued a reunion, and with recent roster moves, that window now appears nearly closed.
Enter Nick Madrigal
In Iglesias’ absence, the Mets have turned to Nick Madrigal, a player who, on the surface, shares some traits with him. A former top-ten draft pick, Madrigal offers defensive versatility at second and third base, coupled with elite contact skills. However, unlike Iglesias, Madrigal has struggled to find consistent success at the big-league level, posting just an 88 wRC+ over 285 career games.
Mets insider Anthony DiComo highlighted the similarities between Madrigal and Iglesias, noting Madrigal’s impressive contact skills, speed, and defensive versatility. However, the comparison has its limits—unlike Iglesias, Madrigal has yet to demonstrate the ability to be a true difference-maker at the plate in the majors.
For weeks, Mets fans scratched their heads, wondering why the front office didn’t make a stronger push to bring Iglesias back. He had seemingly checked every box: leadership, production, and that intangible spark that makes a team feel like a family. Yet, for reasons still unknown, the Mets never fully pursued a reunion. And now, with the latest roster moves, that door appears to be almost completely shut.
Enter Nick Madrigal The Mets have now brought in Nick Madrigal, a player who, on paper, shares some similarities with Iglesias. A former top-ten draft pick, Madrigal can play both second and third base and is known for his elite bat-to-ball skills. However, unlike Iglesias, he has struggled to produce at an average level in the majors, owning just an 88 wRC+ over 285 career games.
Mets insider Anthony DiComo was quick to note the resemblance between Madrigal and Iglesias, pointing out that Madrigal is tough to strike out, speedy, and defensively versatile. But the comparison only goes so far—Madrigal has yet to prove he can be a game-changing bat at the highest level.
A Crowded Infield Even if Madrigal were to play his way into a role with the Mets, he might not even start the season in the big leagues. With top prospects Luisangel Acuña and Brett Baty already vying for playing time, there’s a strong chance Madrigal begins 2025 in Triple-A Syracuse.
And lurking just behind them is another highly touted infield prospect, Jett Williams, who could factor into the picture sooner rather than later.
A Reunion That Likely Won’t Happen Could the Mets and Iglesias still find their way back to each other? In baseball, nothing is impossible. But between Madrigal’s arrival, the wave of young talent in the system, and the team’s seeming reluctance to bring him back, the odds have never been slimmer. The music has stopped, and for now, it looks like OMG won’t be blasting through Citi Field anytime soon.
