The New York Yankees’ infield woes continue to deepen as the team once again misses out on an intriguing solution to their lineup struggles. After a series of injuries and departures, including the loss of second baseman Gleyber Torres in free agency and third baseman D.J. LeMahieu’s calf issue, the Yankees were in desperate need of a reliable and experienced infielder to stabilize their roster.
Despite the urgency of the situation and a clear need for middle infield depth, the Yankees failed to act on a clear opportunity to sign a proven veteran. It was a move that many fans and analysts expected the front office to make—especially given the player’s recent performances that far outshone their current infield options.
That player is José Iglesias, a 12-year MLB veteran with a remarkable track record. Iglesias, who posted an impressive .830 OPS in 85 games for the Mets in 2024, not only proved his worth with the bat but also became a fan favorite with his hit song “OMG,” which soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin chart. His upbeat presence and solid play could have been just what the Yankees needed to boost their flagging infield.
However, instead of joining the Bronx Bombers, Iglesias signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres. The Padres, who have been a perennial contender in the NL West, offer Iglesias a fresh start, with a potential $3 million salary and up to $1 million in performance-based incentives. For the Yankees, the missed opportunity is a bitter pill to swallow, especially as they continue to struggle with finding a dependable infield solution.
With Iglesias now off the market, the Yankees must regroup and find another way to fill the gap in their infield—hopefully before more opportunities slip away. Fans will be left wondering why the team let such a promising addition slip through their fingers.
