History of Jose Iglesias (baseball) in Timeline

Jose Iglesias is a Cuban-born American professional baseball player, primarily a shortstop and second baseman, currently with the San Diego Padres. He debuted in MLB in 2011 with the Boston Red Sox and has since played for several teams including the Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, Colorado Rockies and New York Mets. Iglesias bats and throws right-handed and is known for his fielding ability.

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Full Timeline

January 5, 1990: Jose Iglesias Born

On January 5, 1990, Jose Antonio Iglesias Alemán was born. He is a Cuban-born American baseball shortstop and second baseman.

1995: First Tigers Player to Wear Jersey No. 1

After being traded to the Detroit Tigers on July 30, 2013, Jose Iglesias chose jersey No. 1, making him the first Tigers player to wear it since Lou Whitaker retired in 1995.

July 2008: Defection from Cuba

In July 2008, while in Canada, Jose Iglesias and pitcher Noel Argüelles defected from the Cuban junior national team.

September 2009: Signing with the Boston Red Sox

In September 2009, Jose Iglesias signed as an international amateur free agent with the Boston Red Sox.

March 2011: Optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox

In March 2011, Jose Iglesias was optioned to the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox.

May 8, 2011: MLB Debut

On May 8, 2011, Jose Iglesias made his major league debut with the Red Sox as a defensive substitute in a game against the Minnesota Twins.

May 11, 2011: First MLB Start

On May 11, 2011, Jose Iglesias made his first MLB start for the Red Sox due to Jed Lowrie being sick.

2011: MLB Debut with the Boston Red Sox

In 2011, Jose Iglesias made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Boston Red Sox.

2011: Ranked as Red Sox Prospect

Prior to the 2011 season, Iglesias was the sole Red Sox prospect on the MLB.com annual list of top 50 baseball prospects, where he was ranked 42nd.

2012: Time in Pawtucket and Call-Ups

In 2012, Jose Iglesias started the season in Pawtucket, was called up to Boston on May 1 but didn't appear in a game, and later backed up Mike Aviles, hitting his first career home run.

2013: 2013 Season Performance and Rookie of the Year Voting

During the 2013 season, Jose Iglesias batted .259 with two home runs for the Tigers and finished the year with a combined .303 average. He also participated in the postseason and finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.

2013: Success with the Red Sox and Trade to the Tigers

In 2013, Jose Iglesias started the season strong with Boston, was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket, recalled, excelled as a starter, and was named American League Rookie of the Month for June. He played 63 games with a .330 batting average before being traded.

January 8, 2014: Contract Agreement with the Tigers

On January 8, 2014, Jose Iglesias and the Detroit Tigers agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.65 million.

July 6, 2015: Named to All-Star Game

On July 6, 2015, Jose Iglesias was named as a reserve for the American League at the 2015 All-Star Game.

January 15, 2016: Contract Agreement with the Tigers

On January 15, 2016, Jose Iglesias and the Tigers avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.1 million contract.

January 13, 2017: Contract Agreement with the Tigers

On January 13, 2017, Jose Iglesias and the Tigers avoided arbitration by agreeing on a one-year, $4.1 million contract.

2017: Birth of Son

In 2017, Jose Iglesias had a son born in Coconut Grove, Florida, a day before Hurricane Irma arrived in the area.

January 17, 2018: Contract Agreement with the Tigers

On January 17, 2018, Jose Iglesias and the Tigers avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $6.275 million contract.

June 25, 2018: Naturalized United States Citizen

On June 25, 2018, Jose Iglesias became a naturalized United States citizen.

2018: Team Control Through 2018

Although Jose Iglesias was under team control through 2018, his 2014 salary had yet to be determined after the contract he signed with the Red Sox as an amateur free agent expired.

February 23, 2019: Signed with the Cincinnati Reds

On February 23, 2019, Jose Iglesias signed a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds, including an invitation to spring training. The contract guaranteed a $2.5 million salary.

June 2019: Birth of Daughter

In June 2019, Jose Iglesias' daughter was born.

2019: Career Highs with Cincinnati Reds

In 2019, Jose Iglesias reached career highs in home runs (11) and RBI (59) while playing for the Cincinnati Reds. He also made contact with a high percentage of pitches outside the strike zone.

January 7, 2020: Signed with the Baltimore Orioles

On January 7, 2020, Jose Iglesias signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles worth $3 million, including a club option for 2021.

July 24, 2020: Orioles Debut

On July 24, 2020, Jose Iglesias made his Orioles debut as the starting shortstop on Opening Day against the Boston Red Sox.

December 2, 2020: Traded to the Los Angeles Angels

On December 2, 2020, Jose Iglesias was traded by the Baltimore Orioles to the Los Angeles Angels for minor-league pitchers Garrett Stallings and Jean Pinto.

September 3, 2021: Released by the Angels

On September 3, 2021, Jose Iglesias was released by the Los Angeles Angels.

September 6, 2021: Signed by the Boston Red Sox

On September 6, 2021, Jose Iglesias signed with the Boston Red Sox, making his return as a defensive substitution.

2021: Included a Club Option for 2021

On January 7, 2020, Jose Iglesias signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles worth $3 million, which included a club option for 2021.

March 16, 2022: Signed with the Colorado Rockies

On March 16, 2022, Jose Iglesias signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Rockies.

March 9, 2023: Signed with Miami Marlins

On March 9, 2023, Iglesias signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.

April 25, 2023: Signed with San Diego Padres

On April 25, 2023, Iglesias signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.

December 4, 2023: Signed with New York Mets

On December 4, 2023, Jose Iglesias signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets.

May 31, 2024: Contract Selected by the Mets

On May 31, 2024, Jose Iglesias' contract was selected, and he was added to the Mets' active roster.

June 2024: "OMG" Hits Number 1

In June 2024, Jose Iglesias' single "OMG" as Candelita hit number 1 on the iTunes Latin Pop charts and later topped the Billboard Latin Digital Song Sales chart.

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2024: Performance with Mets

In 2024, Jose Iglesias played 85 games for the Mets, batting .337. He also finished the season with a 22-game hitting streak.

March 5, 2025: Signed with the San Diego Padres

On March 5, 2025, Jose Iglesias signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres, receiving an invitation to spring training.

Mentioned in this timeline

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