José Iglesias appears to have already made up his mind about the next chapter of his baseball career.
The 36-year-old veteran infielder said he would consider returning to MLB if the phone rings from either the New York Mets or San Diego Padres. Otherwise, Iglesias is prepared to move on from playing and focus on life away from the diamond.
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“If that phone rings… I’ll be there… I’m in that stage in my life where, not just to play, but to play for something.” Iglesias said during an appearance on Craig Melvin’s Glass Half Full podcast.
That leaves Iglesias with a remarkably short list of potential destinations. More importantly, his comments make it clear that another season simply for the sake of extending his career is not what he wants.
Iglesias wants to play for something
Jose Iglesias, 36, told Craig Melvin this week that he feels “good” and would only play for the Mets or Padres. He has not officially retired.
“If that phone rings… I’ll be there… I’m in that stage in my life where, not just to play, but to play for something.” pic.twitter.com/I838nKkfLI
— Dan Bartels (@DanBartels2) October 4, 2026
Iglesias spent the 2024 season with the Mets and became one of the most popular players in the clubhouse. He hit .337 with four home runs, 26 RBI and a .381 on-base percentage across 85 games, helping New York reach the postseason. He also delivered several memorable moments during the team’s playoff push.
His connection with San Diego is just as straightforward. Iglesias returned to the Padres in 2025 and appeared in 112 games, hitting .229 with three home runs and 36 RBI. He became a versatile option around the infield while bringing more than a decade of MLB experience to the roster.
Iglesias is now a free agent after spending 2025 with San Diego. MLB.com lists him with 4,346 career at-bats, a .279 average, 54 home runs and 428 RBI.
Oct 9, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jose Iglesias (11) celebrates after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in game four of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field. | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
At this stage, Iglesias is not chasing just another roster spot. He wants an opportunity that means something, whether that involves returning to the Mets or helping the Padres make another postseason push.
That makes his decision unusually simple. If either organization believes his veteran presence can help, Iglesias appears ready to answer the call. If neither does, the former All-Star is prepared to let his playing career end on his own terms.
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