The New York Yankees are on the hunt for an infielder following Gleyber Torres’ move to the Detroit Tigers. As it stands, Anthony Volpe is expected to start at shortstop on Opening Day, with Jazz Chisholm or Oswaldo Cabrera likely filling the second base role. However, the Yankees recognize the need to add more depth before the season begins. Could Jose Iglesias be the answer?
Despite missing all of 2023 and half of 2024, Iglesias showed his value during his time with the New York Mets, batting an impressive .337 with 26 RBIs. Defensively, Iglesias is highly versatile, capable of playing second base, shortstop, or third base. At 34, he remains a viable everyday player but could also serve as part of a second-base platoon. With a projected 2025 salary of just $1.7 million, Iglesias would be a budget-friendly option for the Yankees.
In his last full season with the Rockies in 2022, Iglesias hit .292 with 47 RBIs, maintaining his consistent performance at the plate. Notably, he hasn’t finished a season with a batting average below .250 since 2012. His versatility is a trait manager Aaron Boone would surely value, allowing for strategic deployment across the infield. Over his career, Iglesias has proven to be more reliable than Torres both offensively and defensively.
While his age is the only potential concern, Iglesias has shown no signs of decline, making him an ideal fit for the Yankees’ roster.
