The Boston Red Sox have brought back a familiar face. On Tuesday, the team officially signed former top prospect José Iglesias to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. The deal marks Iglesias’ second stint in Boston, reuniting the veteran shortstop with the organization that first gave him his start in Major League Baseball over a decade ago.
Iglesias, now 34 years old, was once regarded as one of the most promising defensive infielders in the game. The Red Sox originally signed the Cuban-born shortstop in 2009, and he made his MLB debut with Boston in 2011. Iglesias played parts of three seasons with the Red Sox, including a breakout 2013 campaign when he hit .330 over 63 games before being traded midseason to the Detroit Tigers as part of a three-team deal.
Known primarily for his elite glove, Iglesias has carved out a solid major league career. Over 11 MLB seasons, he has played for several teams, including the Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, and Colorado Rockies. Across his career, Iglesias owns a .279 batting average with 47 home runs, 366 RBIs, and a .319 on-base percentage. His defense, particularly at shortstop, has been his calling card, earning him a Gold Glove finalist nod multiple times.
For Boston, the signing of Iglesias provides much-needed infield depth, especially with uncertainty surrounding the health of Trevor Story, who underwent surgery on his right shoulder in January and is questionable for Opening Day. Story’s absence leaves a potential gap at shortstop, and Iglesias could be a logical veteran option if needed.
This move also comes after the Red Sox added Román González and Enmanuel Valdez to the infield mix, but neither has the big-league track record or defensive pedigree of Iglesias. With his wealth of experience, Iglesias not only provides insurance but could serve as a mentor for younger infielders.
Iglesias’ last major league appearance came with the Rockies in 2022, when he hit .292 over 118 games. He did not play in the majors during the 2023 season, though he did sign minor league deals with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres before being released.
According to reports, Iglesias will immediately join the Red Sox in Fort Myers, Florida, for spring training, where he will compete for a roster spot. His chances could improve if Story is not ready for the start of the season or if Boston opts for a strong defensive presence up the middle.
For many Red Sox fans, the return of Iglesias brings a sense of nostalgia. He was part of the organization during the early stages of their 2013 championship run, though he was traded before the team clinched the World Series title that October. His defensive wizardry at shortstop was often a highlight reel and endeared him to many during his first tenure in Boston.
Should Iglesias make the Opening Day roster, it would mark a full-circle moment in his career. More importantly for the Red Sox, it would give them a reliable, steady presence at shortstop as they navigate early-season challenges.
With spring training underway and roster battles heating up, Iglesias will be one name to watch closely over the coming weeks. Whether he can earn his way back to the big leagues remains to be seen, but Boston’s decision to bring him back speaks volumes about the value of experience and defense in a year filled with question marks.
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