Last week, the New York Mets shocked everyone by making it to the league championship round. Back in June, with a dismal record of 24-35, no one would have believed this was possible. They had one of the worst records in the National League and seemed destined to trade away players.
However, they turned things around dramatically. By winning at least 60% of their games in three out of four months following June, they clinched a wild-card spot. It wasn’t smooth sailing, but they went from being written off to being one of the last four teams standing.
In baseball, surprises are everywhere! The Mets’ journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns. One standout story is that of 34-year-old infielder Jose Iglesias. He not only filled in during Jeff McNeil’s absence but also became a fan favorite with his remix song featuring Pitbull and Silvestre Dangond .
Fans might think this comeback story is like something out of a movie.
Header Text: Once a Rising Star
Jose Iglesias has been on baseball’s radar since he signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2009. Known for his incredible defense, many thought he’d win Gold Gloves throughout his career (though surprisingly he hasn’t). But hitting? That was another story entirely. Critics doubted his batting skills early on, comparing him to Rey Ordóñez.
Despite these doubts, Iglesias proved them wrong over time. His career OPS+ stood at 88 before this season—much better than Ordóñez’s mark! Yet imagining him batting fifth for a potential World Series team seemed far-fetched until now.
Header Text: On the Brink
Iglesias’ career took an unexpected turn last year when he didn’t make any MLB appearances for the first time since 2014 due to injury then too! He spent time in minor leagues with both San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins but couldn’t convince anyone he deserved another shot at big-league action; many thought it was curtains down on his playing days altogether!
Even when Mets signed him last December as organizational depth insurance policy according David Stearns—their top baseball operations executive—it wasn’t exactly high praise or promising projection about what lay ahead…
OMG REMIX DAY@JoseIglesias_SS x @pitbull 🔥
🎶👉
— x – New York Mets (@Mets)
But somehow against all odds Jose found himself playing pivotal role within current roster setup!
Header Text: A Change in Strategy
This season brought changes for Iglesias; while still relying heavily upon contact-based offense rather than power-hitting prowess or drawing walks consistently—he started using opposite field more often than ever before (nearly one-third batted balls went right).
Interestingly enough such adjustment aligns well given limitations regarding raw power output compared heavier hitters who fare better pulling ball instead according Drew Haugen from Down Farm earlier year analysis suggests lighter hitters benefit from opposite-field approach relatively speaking!
Ultimately though whether teams view him favorably come free agency remains uncertain yet there’s no denying how much overperformance helped boost perception despite age factor looming large ahead future prospects remain open-ended question worth pondering further consideration among fans alike… What do you think?
