MIAMI, FLORIDA – JULY 22: Jose Iglesias #11 of the New York Mets reacts during the fourth inning of the game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on July 22, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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The New York Mets enter the offseason needing to make significant changes after a disastrous 2026 campaign, putting pressure on a beleaguered top executive to find the right pieces for a turnaround.
“This is a prove-it offseason for Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns,” Danny Abriano wrote for SNY. “Following a slow collapse in 2025 that resulted in New York being eliminated from postseason contention on the final day of the regular season, the club spun out of control early in 2026 and never recovered.”
That could make familiar faces particularly appealing as the Mets look for ways to reshape their roster and restore some of the energy that helped them reach the postseason two years ago. And with that in mind, the team might have taken note when a former fan favorite made it clear that he’s looking to make his MLB comeback — on one condition.
New York Mets Fan Favorite Sends Retirement Message
Veteran infielder Jose Iglesias is currently enjoying a very different kind of second act, having moved into the entertainment world after his memorable 2024 season with New York. The former All-Star went from the Mets to the San Diego Padres, then took this past season off to pursue an entertainment career.
But he has not completely closed the door on baseball, recently revealing that he is interested in a return to the diamond with a big caveat.
“If that phone rings, and it’s not Broadway and it’s MLB, I’ll be there because I feel good,” Iglesias told Craig Melvin during a recent appearance on the Glass Half Full podcast. “I have to have a personal feeling for the team that calls. I’m in that stage of my life where, not just to play, but to play for something. And that would be New York Mets, San Diego Padres.”
Iglesias became one of the most popular members of the 2024 Mets team that enjoyed a Cinderella postseason run. He hit .337 with a .381 on-base percentage and .448 slugging percentage in 85 games while helping provide stability around the infield. He also became a fan favorite as his Spanish-language pop song became an anthem for the team.
“Iglesias’ talent as a pop musician became clear while he was still a ball player,” Evan Drellich wrote for The Athletic. “Just two years ago, his song ‘OMG,’ short for ‘Oh my God,’ became an anthem for his team at the time, the New York Mets. Under his stage name Candelita, Iglesias performed the song at the Mets’ Citi Field after a game in June 2024.”
That combination of production, personality and music made Iglesias a distinctive part of a Mets team that ultimately reached the National League Championship Series.
New York Mets Get Career Update From Fan Favorite Infielder
Iglesias spent this past season performing on Broadway, but his latest comments suggest that his priorities have changed. Rather than simply seeking another roster spot, though, he only wants to return to his baseball career if he can contribute to one of his previous two teams.
That leaves the Mets and Padres as the only paths back to MLB, giving New York an intriguing option if Stearns decides that veteran experience and clubhouse chemistry are worth revisiting.
Iglesias has already shown that his baseball career can take an unexpected turn. Now, with Broadway occupying much of his attention, the Mets may have to make the first move if they want to bring one of their most memorable recent fan favorites back to Citi Field.
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