Morning Briefing: Jose Iglesias Surprised He Didn't Return to Mets

Good morning, Mets fans!

In his first day at the San Diego Padres’ spring training facility in Peoria, Ariz., Jose Iglesias told reporters that he was “surprised” he didn’t return to the Mets after his magical 2024 run with the team.

“It’s surprising, yes,” Iglesias said, per 97.3 The Fan San Diego’s Sammy Levitt. “But I don’t take it personal at all. It’s completely business. I respect it.”

The 35-year-old signed a minor league deal with the Padres on Wednesday that includes an invite to big league camp and will pay him $3 million with $1 million in incentives should he reach the majors.

Iglesias was one of the key pieces in New York’s improbable turnaround last season, batting .337/.381/.448 with four home runs, 26 RBIs and 2.5 fWAR in 85 games.

Photo by Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

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