11:45am: It is indeed a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training for Iglesias, who will earn $2.5MM if he makes the team out of camp, with the opportunity for $1MM more based on games played, tweets Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
9:00am: MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweets that the Reds have a deal in place for Iglesias. No details have been given, though it figures to be a minor league deal.
Feb 23, 8:44am: The Reds still have not officially announced a deal for Iglesias, but he has a locker and a jersey, per the Athletic’s C. Trent Rosecrans (via Twitter).
Feb 22: The Reds and shortstop Jose Iglesias have been discussing a minor league contract, Ken Rosenthal and C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic report (via Twitter). If the deal comes to fruition, he’d join Derek Dietrich in MLB camp as a quality veteran with a strong chance at securing a bench role come Opening Day. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweets that the Reds are indeed interested, but the veteran Iglesias could wait a bit longer to see if an injury elsewhere in the game opens a clearer path to regular at-bats.
Iglesias, 29, is one of the game’s premier defenders at shortstop and actually had an improved year at the plate in 2018, hitting .269/.310/.389 in 464 plate appearances — good for both a 90 OPS+ and wRC+ (essentially indicating that his bat was about 10 percent worse than that of a league-average hitter after adjusting for his home park and league). For a player with his defensive prowess, that level of offense is more than acceptable, which is why both Fangraphs (2.5) and Baseball-Reference (2.2) both felt that Iglesias was worth more than two wins above replacement last season.
That said, Iglesias’ bat was considerably less productive in 2016-17, when he posted a timid .255/.297/.353 batting line over the life of 1002 plate appearances. It’s now been three full seasons since Iglesias enjoyed a quality season at the plate, when he hit .300/.347/.370 (99 OPS+) back in 2015.
The Reds already have some infield depth beyond starting shortstop Jose Peraza. Third baseman Eugenio Suarez has the ability to slide over to shortstop in a pinch, and Cincinnati also has one of baseball’s premier prospects, Nick Senzel, looming in Triple-A (although Senzel is currently working in the outfield as he vies for a job in center field). Iglesias, though, would give them a clear backup at shortstop while also providing the ability to handle second base and third base when needed.
Iglesias’ situation appears somewhat similar to that of veteran catcher Martin Maldonado, who is reportedly drawing interest from the Mariners but having difficulty securing a Major League deal. Both are light hitters who are among the game’s best defenders at their respective positions but have seemingly been unable to find a team willing to sign them to the big league roster.
Something doesn’t add up. He’s too good of a player to not be able to secure a major league deal.
Agreed, he should be a starter on a bottom 10 team
Baltimore should have signed him over Escobar
That’s exactly what I was thinking.
Young mans game. Chances he makes the team is good
Injury history combined with price. Love his glove and his bat got better as he played more.
This is the type of team I mentioned the other day that should take a flyer on him. Reds will need all the help they can get
That doesn’t make sense. It’s a great depth add for the Reds who should have the offense of a contender.
Not like he’s 35. He’s only 29. You would have thought that some team in need of some middle infield help would bring him in on a one or two year deal, even if he isn’t the best batter.
Surprised the Yankees didn’t look at him over tulo. Less of an injury risk, will probably hit better and a much better SS. Would allow them to leave Torres at 2nd.
I agree. This deal is a steal.
The guy is a hot-head, fights teammates in the dugout. My opinion is he’s a bigger headache than he’s worth.
Maybe him being forced to sign a minors deal will suppress that swell he’s got in his head.
Remember McCann calling him out for lack hustle. Then he responded with fight. Tempers on bad losing team at end of year.
Still love his glove and actually like his slap hits that seam to come a great times.
I wasn’t aware of that! Hmmmm…..I was happy with the signing at first, now I’m skeptical. The good thing though is that people can and do change. Outside of possible personal issues, the baseball side says it’s a good depth and inexpensive depth signing.
That happened years ago, not last year.
He really just doesn’t have a bad temper, idk where you’re getting that information because he’s just a flashy, high energy guy. I think if you’re on a team that loses almost 100 games your bound to get frustrated. Players yell and push each other all the time throughout the season. He’s an exciting player that really doesn’t have the kind of temper you’re describing
tigersfan1320, obviously you don’t remember the aforementioned fight he got into in the dugout with McCann in Boston. The video clip is on YouTube. McCann yelled at him, he shoved McCann, Castellanos had to place him in a bear hug and Anthony Gose also tried to calm him down.
He also threw his glove at McCann. I’d classify that as having a bad temper!
Considering the Pirates seem to have Erik Gonzalez slated as their everday option, it’s very odd.
Buccos going with youth…sink or swim. Newman may surprise. At least I’m hoping.
Also agreed, and the comments I read from Tony Clark today echo that sentiment. Collusion? Well, that’s and ugly word in today’s society, however there are many quality players like him out there and they are scuffling to find a roster spot. Personally, I feel it’s more like teams that know they can’t contend not putting out the money, which says something about this Reds front office…they think it’s more than possible!!
i have heard several sports writers mention over the last decade that the players union should fight to have a salary floor in place. with that comes a salary cap which is why they havent pushed as hard for it i guess but the argument is that instead of just catering to the top 1% of players it would bring in more money for guys like jose iglesias and others who have to settle for deals under 2 million per year. tony clark only has himself to blame for caving for the last deal he signed.
From my perspective, and many others, baseball is undergoing a massive youth movement. Maybe more so than we’ve ever witnessed? I’d like to see the numbers on that, but leaving guys like Bartolo and other ancient anomalies out of the figures. Let’s say; run the numbers over the past 20 years on the average ages of teams on their players between 20-35?
Right? I was hoping the Cardinals would sign him just for his defense. Put him in late in games.
MLB teams are now instituting “the no jerk signings” rule. I am half serious. It’s OK to be a jerk to the opposition but not with your own teammates.
Sometimes players just aren’t worth the headaches they cause. If you’ve going to be a jerk, you’d better be really good!
Its a game of musical chairs, and one of the SS (or 3) wasnt going to get a starting job. Galvas and Hech are already signed as utility players. Its not like he would not make the Reds if he signs. He’ll have a major league contract as soon as they add him to the roster, at the end of spring training. Guess he should have signed sooner.
Marwin to Twins
another of your many fine comments….
If the reds get him on a minors deal, Huntington should be canned. I can understand not signing Jose for 8M/year i can under stand but letting him sign a minor league deal else where and not offering him 4M guaranteed is out of line….
of course maybe he did and Jose declined…..? /shrug
Interesting….wasn’t an Iglesias injury in Detroit what allowed Suarez to be in the majors with the Tigers??
Yes he was
He should fire his agent if he could only secure a minor league deal lol. He is comparable to Freddy Galvis and Galvis landed a MLB deal.
Except Freddy is a better all around player and has never had an injury history. On top of that Iglesias isn’t exactly a good clubhouse presence whereas Freddy is top notch. Tigers couldn’t wait till his time was up.
I am totally unaware of any “bad influence” or “hot headedness” from Iggy while in Detroit. I have watched at least 95% of the games during his tenure. At the start, he had more “hot dog” in his play, but he has been very consistent lately.
He went after James McCann in the dugout during a game.
McCann called him out for not hustling and Iglesias lost his marbles.
That was a few years ago. He seemed to improve under Gardy. Hustled more. Stole 15 bases. Took the extra base more often. Ausmus was more passive than Gardy. If you don’t hustle for Gardy you don’t play. Maybe he needs a manager that will push him. He wanted out of Det and thought he’d get offers. He has enough talent that if he does hustle he’ll be in the majors.
Your real name is Sidney Liebowitz, right? 😉
Do a YouTube search under “Jose Iglesias fight”.
Comparable yes! Iglesias much better glove than Galvis. Galvis more pop.
Much better with the glove? That’s got to be a joke, right? Galvis can hold his own with anyone in the league defensively.
Galvis- 1400 innings, 9 Errors, 7 Defensive Runs Saved
Iglesias- 1050 innings, 8 E, 1 DRS
You have to be careful with these defensive stats. Bad pitching can give a defender a steady diet of rockets hit to him. Where a staff that keeps the hitters off balance can make your defensive stats glow.
Bad pitchers? Iglesias had some of the best pitchers in baseball in front of him. I don’t buy that excuse.
The last couple years the pitching has been thin.
Where did you get your Data?
I went to Baseball Reference and this is what they have for them Both (I only picked the Data from Shortstop for 2015 – 2018)
DRS: Iglesias has the much better number, 5 to 1.
Iglesias: Years-4, Innings Played-4,353, DRS-5 (Total 2015-2018)
Chances-2,072, Errors-31, Fielding Percentage-.984
Galvis: Years-4, Innings Played-5,374, DRS-1(Total 2015-2018)
Chances-2,514, Errors-41, Fielding Percentage-.983
Starting Pitchers For The Tigers 2015-2018 (Not Who You Would Think)
2015:
GS:31 Alfredo Simon
GS:25 Anibal Sanchez
GS: David Price (Traded At Deadline)
GS:20 Verlander
GS:16 Shane Greene
GS: Kyle Lobstein
GS:10 Matt Boyd
GS:8 Daniel Norris
2016:
GS:34 Verlander
GS:26 Fulmer
GS: 26 Sanchez
GS:22 Pelfrey
GS:18 Zimmerman
GS:18 Boyd
GS: 13 Norris
2017
GS:29 Zimmerman
GS:28 Verlander (Traded At Deadline)
GS:25 Fulmer
GS:25 Boyd
GS:18 Norris
GS:17 Sanchez
GS:11 Farmer
2018
GS:31 Boyd
GS:26 Liriano
GS:25 Zimmerman
GS:24 Fulmer
GS:21 Fiers (Traded At Deadline)
GS:13 Hardy
Not the Great Pitching Staff’s of Tigers Past.
Trying awfully hard there aren’t ya Dogs? You know full where I got those numbers. Got them the same place you did, I just didn’t go back 4 years, but I’m sure you already knew that smart guy. Nice try trying to make me look stupid.
The difference of 4 runs saved over four years isn’t much better as you say. You want to see much better look at Andrelton Simmons. His defensive numbers are much better than either Galvis or Iglesias. Comparing Galvis and Iglesias defensively is about as close to a push as you can get.
I stand by my statement that Galvis is the better all around player, he’s got a better bat and he’s in the lineup everyday plus he plays stellar D AND he’s never gone after teammates in the dugout. Looks like GM’s around the league agree as Galvis is on a guaranteed contract and Iglesias isn’t.
@68tigers84
Your weak pitching argument is the weakest of all. How many time do you see an official scorer give a guy and error for a ball hit like a rocket. It never happens anymore. Besides that neither Galvis or Iglesias has had good pitching behind them the last couple years. You could argue Iglesias has had the better pitching. Padres were terrible pitching last season and Galvis’ other team before the Phillies had bad pitching also. Ridiculous argument.
So then if we take away their 2018 numbers (your numbers) from my numbers (leaving 2015-2017) Iglesias would have a +4 DRS while Galvis would have a -6 DRS. In conclusion, Galvis has had 1 great year (last year) of DRS.
Iglesias Offensive Slashline: Lifetime=.270/.315/.363
Galvis Offensive Slashline: Lifetime….=.246/.290/.374
Iglesias Offensive Slashline: 2018=.269/.310/.389
Galvis Offensive Slashline:…..2018=.248/.299/.380
Iglesias is the better hitter too, both career & in 2018.
I will give you this. Galvis has managed to play more games in all the years between 2015 & 2018. As for the PA’s/AB’s, Iglesias batted #9 most of the time. He was a second leadoff hitter as the lineup turned over. I like that strategy.
Iglesias is better than you make him out to be.
I was very disappointed the Tigers let him walk.
Watched Galvis all year long last year,very good defensively ,underrated!with a little pop in the bat,better player then the defensive minded Iglesias
Bench spots are at such a premium with Reds right now, I think they keep their backup SS in Louisville.
Right you are, dude. I read the Reds will go north with 13 pitchers this year.
“i cant believe he didnt get a major league deal”
Wow, the Reds are stacking up quality players. His D is very good, and he has a fair bat. Dietrich, Kemp, Schebler, and Iglesias + Catcher. That is a strong bench.
Thought the Pirates made the most sense for him
MARWIN TO MINNY!!!
Iglesias will be the starting shortstop for the Boston Red Sox in 2020. They can’t afford to re-sign Xander, so let him sign this one year, prove it deal and Boston will welcome him back with open arms!
Something will have gone horribly wrong if Iglesias is the starting SS for the Red Sox next year!
There have been far crazier ideas floated around than yours. I don’t think there is a Red Sox fan who isn’t looking at the next couple of off-seasons without a great deal of fear. There is no way every good or better player can be resigned.
Flags fly forever
I had guessed Pittsburgh for Iglesias. Close.
Giants should sign him. Have him play all over the infield, or keep him at short and slide Crawford to third, ship Longoria out, and have an amazing defense in the infield.
Embarrassing for the Pirates if this goes through, he would actually be an upgrade at the starting spot.
Exhibit 20097 for strike next year
The really weird thing about him ending up in Cincy is that the Tigers traded Eugenio Suarez in order to keep Iglesias.
Where have you gone Alfredo Simon?
Cincinnati sure got its money’s worth for Simon after sole season above mediocracy.
Plus they signed Suarez for a 7 yr, 66 million contract. He played like a $30 million a year player last season.
Another exhibit for the 2020 player strike
Lance McCallister just reported he has a locker in the Reds clubhouse, but nothing official has been announced…
This is why the union and the league need to fix the financial system, mid grade players are getting hosed.
Obviously Iglesias isn’t a star, he’s a plus defender and a minus hitter. He’s a mid grade player, some pros and some cons, but has value he can bring to some teams. But, with the way the system works, there’s no incentive to sink money into anyone who isn’t a star.
The problem isn’t what month Machado and Harper sign their record breaking deals, the problem is the middle of the market is disappearing, and nobody under 6 years gets paid anything to begin with.
The idiot union rode an unsustainable system to the top and pulled the ladder up behind them. When the idiot league figured out that you do not need to pay premium money for premium talent, the market tanked.
I’d just like to hear the union come up with a solution besides teams just arbitrarily spending more.
Exactly! I am surprised he is getting only a minor league deal. Baseball is suffering because of wide gap between superstar players’ demands and what players like Jose have to settle for.
This deal tells me that every team has a SS who is either superior than Jose or costs less than Jose and team has no intent to spend. What do you want the man to earn? League minimum? I hope fans who cry about players earning too much or their teams spending too much take note of deals like this.
Swore the Oakland A’s were going to be in on him. Thought the A’s needed SS help.
Lol and 2 years ago people on here were trying to argue that the Padres HAD to trade for him to have any chance of signing him at all.
Premier defender at a premium position, and while he’s no slugger, Iglesias has had his moments at the plate. Given that he’s only 29, the Reds got an absolute steal here. Jose should be capable of being a utility infielder.
How is he cheaper than what Mets spent on hechaviaria (spelling)
It’s ironic that the Tigers were able to trade Eugenio Suarez because they had Iglesias.