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The Cuban infielder José "Candelita" Iglesias reached an agreement with the San Diego Padres organization for one season and a salary of three million dollars, with the possibility of adding one more in incentives if he makes the Major League roster.
The news, shared on Facebook by journalist Francys Romero, comes to light after Iglesias spent a significant portion of the MLB Spring Training 2025 as a free agent, being one of the best players available on the market.
Iglesias, 35 years old, comes from a remarkable season with the New York Mets in 2024, where he recorded an impressive batting average of .337, an on-base percentage of .381, and a slugging percentage of .448, accumulating an OPS of .830.
His performance was crucial in the team's resurgence, which reached the National League Championship Series. In 85 games played, he achieved 91 hits in 291 at-bats, connecting 16 doubles, four home runs, and one triple, driving in 26 runs and scoring 39 times.
Furthermore, as part of his artistic career, his single OMG supported the group during the crucial moments of the competition, and reached the number one spot on the Billboard Latino.
According to the site Swing Completo, this will be Iglesias's eighth organization in Major League Baseball, having previously played for the Boston Red Sox (2011-2013, 2021), Detroit Tigers (2013-2018), Cincinnati Reds (2019), Baltimore Orioles (2020), Los Angeles Angels (2021), Colorado Rockies (2022), and New York Mets (2024).
The arrival of Iglesias to the Padres, with whom he briefly had a minor league contract, could strengthen the team's infield and provide depth to a lineup that aims to improve its performance in the 2025 season. His experience and offensive consistency make him a valuable addition to the San Diego franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions about José "Candelita" Iglesias and his new contract with the San Diego Padres
What is José "Candelita" Iglesias' new contract with the San Diego Padres?
José "Candelita" Iglesias signed a one-season contract with the San Diego Padres for a salary of three million dollars, with the potential to earn an additional million in incentives if he makes the Major League roster.
How did José Iglesias perform in the 2024 season?
In the 2024 season, José Iglesias had an impressive batting average of .337 with the New York Mets, recording an on-base percentage of .381 and a slugging percentage of .448, accumulating an OPS of .830 in 85 games.
How many teams has José Iglesias played for in the MLB before joining the Padres?
Before joining the San Diego Padres, José Iglesias has played for seven different teams in MLB: Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, Colorado Rockies, and New York Mets.
What is José Iglesias's impact on music aside from baseball?
In addition to his baseball career, José Iglesias has ventured into music, releasing the single "OMG," which reached number one on the Billboard Latino. His music has resonated in stadiums, and he has released a remix of the song featuring Pitbull and Silvestre Dangond.
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