Jose Iglesias signs with Red Sox

DeadlySplitter

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 20, 2015
33,249
Key double to jumpstart the game winning rally today when the O's had punched the Sox a bit in the mouth. Batting over .400 with a bit of power in 12 Red Sox games, overall good defense. We know he can catch lightning in a bottle offensively for awhile, that's happening again.

Pretty good pickup and at this point a shame he won't be eligible to play past two weeks from today, I think he would have kept starting at 2B, batting 9th every playoff game. But maybe he'll come back to earth "just in time" and it will be the Arroyo show then...
 

cantor44

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 23, 2020
1,637
Chicago, IL
Key double to jumpstart the game winning rally today when the O's had punched the Sox a bit in the mouth. Batting over .400 with a bit of power in 12 Red Sox games, overall good defense. We know he can catch lightning in a bottle offensively for awhile, that's happening again.

Pretty good pickup and at this point a shame he won't be eligible to play past two weeks from today, I think he would have kept starting at 2B, batting 9th every playoff game. But maybe he'll come back to earth "just in time" and it will be the Arroyo show then...
I think he's better than a pretty good pick up. Even at that time we got him (not in hindsight) I was amazed Bloom could get a legitimate, established, starting major league middle infielder at that point in the season. Given how decimated the middle infield was by COVID, I consider this to be a substantial move this season, despite the short time Iglesias can contribute.
 
Last edited:

Red(s)HawksFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 23, 2009
20,676
Maine
Weren’t there some playoff roster shenanigans available if you have a guy on the IL on 8/31? Somebody could get swapped for them? Or does that somebody need to be in the organization on 8/31? Or am I making this up?
To be eligible for the post-season, the player has to be in the organization on 8/31. That's been the rule for years. Iglesias is ineligible since he was added on 9/6.

The other rule is that to be post-season eligible, the player has to be on the 40-man or the 60-day IL (I assume the COVID IL counts too) as of 8/31. The loophole there is that if you have a player placed on the 60-day IL at the end of the season (thus opening a 40-man spot), that player can be replaced by anyone who was in the organization on 8/31. Iglesias still doesn't fit that bill.
 

Red(s)HawksFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 23, 2009
20,676
Maine
I think he's better than a pretty good pick up. Even at that time we got him (not in hindsight) I was amazed Bloom could get a legitimate, established, starting major league middle infielder. Given how decimated the middle infield was by COVID, I consider this to be a substantial move this season, despite the short time Iglesias can contribute.
I don't know how much credit Bloom really can be given. The really fortuitous thing was that the Angels released him when they did (and he cleared waivers). Not too often you see a player who can still contribute released like that. Glad that Bloom snapped him up, but it was sheer (good) luck.
 

cantor44

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 23, 2020
1,637
Chicago, IL
I don't know how much credit Bloom really can be given. The really fortuitous thing was that the Angels released him when they did (and he cleared waivers). Not too often you see a player who can still contribute released like that. Glad that Bloom snapped him up, but it was sheer (good) luck.
We know Iglesias communicated to the Angels he wanted to be released, that it was mutual parting ...pure conjecture, but wonder if he understood there was a help wanted sign at Fenway with his name on it ... if there was some communication overt or implicit there ....
 

Wolong51

New Member
Oct 24, 2020
15
I was at yesterday’s and today’s games.
Seeing it in person, Iglesias really looks like he stabilizes the infield defense.
He has a presence about him hitting in that #9 spot.
 

Red(s)HawksFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 23, 2009
20,676
Maine
We know Iglesias communicated to the Angels he wanted to be released, that it was mutual parting ...pure conjecture, but wonder if he understood there was a help wanted sign at Fenway with his name on it ... if there was some communication overt or implicit there ....
If there was any communication, it better never reach the light of day. That's tampering and shouldn't happen.

If there was no communication and Iglesias orchestrated his release with the idea of coming to Boston but zero assurances that they wanted him, that's a humongous risk. It's also really dumb on his part considering it would be for all of three weeks. And not even a guarantee of that. He could just as easily have played like ass for 4-5 games and been the first cut once players started returning.

I'll buy that he asked out because the situation in Anaheim wasn't great and he knew his playing time was going to be curtailed anyway. I don't think he did it with returning the Red Sox in mind. That was just serendipitous timing.
 

TheGhostOfJackClark

New Member
May 23, 2021
28
Not having JI in the 9 spot for the postseason bothers me, just because I don’t think Arroyo is going to be ready to come in and really contribute in October, given how sick he was….

he just started his rehab assignment Thursday, right?
 

grimshaw

Member
SoSH Member
May 16, 2007
4,220
Portland
Not having JI in the 9 spot for the postseason bothers me, just because I don’t think Arroyo is going to be ready to come in and really contribute in October, given how sick he was….

he just started his rehab assignment Thursday, right?
He's 1-11 with 4 k's so far, but at least played all 9 tonight.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 26, 2005
30,491
I was at yesterday’s and today’s games.
Seeing it in person, Iglesias really looks like he stabilizes the infield defense.
He has a presence about him hitting in that #9 spot.
BRef says that Jose has started 7 games at 2B and 3 games as SS. He had a bunch of throwing errors (10) at LAA. I wonder if playing 2B helps his arm stay in better shape.
 

YTF

Member
SoSH Member
I don't know how much credit Bloom really can be given. The really fortuitous thing was that the Angels released him when they did (and he cleared waivers). Not too often you see a player who can still contribute released like that. Glad that Bloom snapped him up, but it was sheer (good) luck.
Yep, very much a right place at the right time scenario. While it seems his overall game has dramatically dropped off, it's still pretty fortunate for Boston that no other contender felt there was a spot for him. Limit roster expansion might have had some affect on that.
 

YTF

Member
SoSH Member
Maybe it's a better position for him at this point in his career ... wonder if he's worth offering a short term contract to ...2 years?
I wouldn't mind seeing him stick around at the right price, but what do they do with him? Arroyo's only 26 and not FA eligible until '25. He's been pretty fragile, but otherwise has played well. That probably works in the Sox favor as he heads into his first arbitration year.
 

Red(s)HawksFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 23, 2009
20,676
Maine
I wouldn't mind seeing him stick around at the right price, but what do they do with him? Arroyo's only 26 and not FA eligible until '25. He's been pretty fragile, but otherwise has played well. That probably works in the Sox favor as he heads into his first arbitration year.
I would think Arroyo's probably looking at ~$2M next year as a 1st year arb guy. With he and Kike in the mix for next year, plus some depth on the 40-man in the form of some mix of Arauz, Downs, and Fitzgerald, you're right that there's not much room for Iglesias. He'd have to be willing to take a really really cheap contract, and I imagine he could get a couple million from somebody else who needs a middle infielder and buys his last three weeks over the rest of his season.

Arroyo and Kike are both better hitters than Iglesias, and they're good enough defenders to make that comparison negligible as well.
 

Petagine in a Bottle

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 13, 2021
11,921
I think he’d be a worthwhile addition if you could get him on a one year deal for $3.5M or so. Arroyo is made of glass; and if he is penciled in as your starter at 2b, you need a backup and I don’t think Arauz is ready for that role. He can backup at 2b, ss, or 3b. You could do worse.
 

YTF

Member
SoSH Member
I think he’d be a worthwhile addition if you could get him on a one year deal for $3.5M or so. Arroyo is made of glass; and if he is penciled in as your starter at 2b, you need a backup and I don’t think Arauz is ready for that role. He can backup at 2b, ss, or 3b. You could do worse.
His advantage is the ability to play SS, but there's a numbers game here. You're likely back to a 3 man bench next season so where/how does he fit onto the 40 man? Either Kike' is your 2B or your CF. If it's the former, Arroyo is the back up there. If it's the latter, Kike" probably fills in at 2B when needed. There seems to be perhaps an OF position up for grabs and 1B is still a bit unsettled. If Bobby D you're starter you still need a back up and perhaps Arroyo gets more practice there before the '22 season starts. With one player (be it JD or Schwarber) who is pretty much limited to being a DH, I'm just not seeing much space for Iggy on this team unless Arroyo gets moved, but if they looking at similar $$ between the 2 do you choose Iglesias?
 

Petagine in a Bottle

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 13, 2021
11,921
You definitely need a backup infielder, though, especially with Arroyo being so unreliable. Iglesias would be filling the role that Arroyo did to start the season, basically. I would expect a 4-man bench to start the season.

If they plan on Hernandez as starting 2b, and Duran in center, with Arroyo as backup IF than it would be difficult to fit Iglesias on the roster. Guess we shall see…
 

Red(s)HawksFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 23, 2009
20,676
Maine
His advantage is the ability to play SS, but there's a numbers game here. You're likely back to a 3 man bench next season so where/how does he fit onto the 40 man? Either Kike' is your 2B or your CF. If it's the former, Arroyo is the back up there. If it's the latter, Kike" probably fills in at 2B when needed. There seems to be perhaps an OF position up for grabs and 1B is still a bit unsettled. If Bobby D you're starter you still need a back up and perhaps Arroyo gets more practice there before the '22 season starts. With one player (be it JD or Schwarber) who is pretty much limited to being a DH, I'm just not seeing much space for Iggy on this team unless Arroyo gets moved, but if they looking at similar $$ between the 2 do you choose Iglesias?
I don't. As you've pointed out, Arroyo is younger and under control through 2024. He's a better hitter than Iglesias. The difference in defense is negligible. I don't buy into the "made of glass" thing. In a vacuum, he's a clear choice. The only X factor to me is the one the mods (rightly) don't want discussed here.
 

Lose Remerswaal

Experiencing Furry Panic
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
You definitely need a backup infielder, though, especially with Arroyo being so unreliable. Iglesias would be filling the role that Arroyo did to start the season, basically. I would expect a 4-man bench to start the season.

If they plan on Hernandez as starting 2b, and Duran in center, with Arroyo as backup IF than it would be difficult to fit Iglesias on the roster. Guess we shall see…
Not sure why you predict a 4 man bench next year when they didn't do so this year
 

Petagine in a Bottle

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 13, 2021
11,921
This was a weird year coming off covid, I though the 3-man bench was partially a function of the thinking that pitchers would be a bit more limited this season? I guess it all depends on the personnel they have; I like a 4-man bench a lot more than a 3-man one (I’d love a 5-man bench but won’t push my luck).

Theoretically, this year’s benefited from the presence of a flexible player like Gonzalez who could back up a lot of positions. Who plays 2b and CF to start, and the rotation, will probably dictate how short the bench is. But if Arroyo is your starting SS and Hernandez us your backup, you really need another player capable of filling in if either gets injured, I think Iglesias could be that guy.
 

Red(s)HawksFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 23, 2009
20,676
Maine
Maybe because the kid gloves will be off Whitlock?
And? They didn't run with 14 pitchers all year because of Whitlock. His role may change in 2022, but I don't think his workload is going to increase to the point where the result is one less pitcher the team needs to carry. Whitlock has thrown 72 innings so far this year. If he remains in the bullpen, he probably doesn't throw many more than that. He just might be doing it in more, shorter appearances than he did this year. If he goes to the rotation, he's going to be ramping up to, at most, 140-150 innings (or right around the workload we've seen this year from E-Rod and Pivetta).

Bottom line is they're still going to be using an 8-9 man bullpen a lot. It's just the nature of the beast now.
 

Petagine in a Bottle

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 13, 2021
11,921
This years bench to start was Cordero, Arroyo, and Plawecki (Kiki at 2b, Marwin in LF).

Even with a three man bench, you will still need a backup IF. Could be Arroyo if he’s not a starter (if they signed Simone?) or someone else if he is.

C, IF, OF. (A 4-man bench allows you to add another bat, ideally one that could play 1b, but I digress….)
 

YTF

Member
SoSH Member
This years bench to start was Cordero, Arroyo, and Plawecki (Kiki at 2b, Marwin in LF).

Even with a three man bench, you will still need a backup IF. Could be Arroyo if he’s not a starter (if they signed Simone?) or someone else if he is.

C, IF, OF. (A 4-man bench allows you to add another bat, ideally one that could play 1b, but I digress….)
Your back up IF IMO will be either Kike' or Arroyo. If either gets hurt, WOOster gets a call. And before I get hammered on this, I'll clarify. Kike can still start in CF and be your back up IF.
 

Red(s)HawksFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 23, 2009
20,676
Maine
Your back up IF IMO will be either Kike' or Arroyo. If either gets hurt, WOOster gets a call. And before I get hammered on this, I'll clarify. Kike can still start in CF and be your back up IF.
Or be your starting 2B and back-up CF (to Duran). Either way works with the talent in house.

Of course this whole discussion is a bit premature because we don't know what the off-season will bring in terms of signings and trades. Petegine points out the opening day lineup had Marwin Gonzalez in LF. His versatility is what enabled the 3-man bench since he played/backed up 5-6 different positions. Can't really rule out Bloom signing another guy like that as the third bench guy (Arroyo/Kike, back-up catcher being the others). A four man bench is more necessary if you don't have versatile guys like that.
 

chawson

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2006
4,660
Nobody’s beating down the door for more Araúz, but I might like to see how he’d take to the utility role before we give Iglesias a year.

I think Iglesias is a fun player and love his contact skills, but if the systems are right and he’s no longer even average with the glove then I don’t see the point wasting someone else’s development time. Plus I think it’s likely there’ll be more of a shakeup than this addresses.
 

YTF

Member
SoSH Member
Or be your starting 2B and back-up CF (to Duran). Either way works with the talent in house.

Of course this whole discussion is a bit premature because we don't know what the off-season will bring in terms of signings and trades. Petegine points out the opening day lineup had Marwin Gonzalez in LF. His versatility is what enabled the 3-man bench since he played/backed up 5-6 different positions. Can't really rule out Bloom signing another guy like that as the third bench guy (Arroyo/Kike, back-up catcher being the others). A four man bench is more necessary if you don't have versatile guys like that.
Exactly on your first point. As to your second point, this is why I think Arroyo gets another look at 1B with ST being a better environment in which to learn the position.
 

cantor44

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 23, 2020
1,637
Chicago, IL
Yeah, maybe Iglesias on the bench doesn't make sense financially.

My thought was: with Iglesias revitalized a bit playing for a contender, and his fielding decline less manifest when playing second, he might make a decent bridge to Yorke starting at second (while also covering SS). Arroyo or someone else becomes super utility player (I guess Arroyo is a better hitter, I mean his SSS is better this year, but maybe the jury still out there).

This is all anticipating a thread about to dominate in 2-6 weeks ....but will be interesting to see if this off season Bloom only tinkers or goes for a major overhaul. The latter will happen eventually ... but the question is will it be this year or after 2022, when so many players have opt outs/become FA (or at next year's trade deadline if they are out of contention) ....
 

scottyno

late Bloomer
SoSH Member
Dec 7, 2008
11,304
Iglesias is a finished product at this point, or really a declining product, his bat has been a massive help so far, but I'd be shocked if he doesn't go back to being a terrible hitter next year whatever team he ends up with while continuing to get worse in the field.

For the minimum or close to it as a utility infielder maybe, I'd want no part at all of even considering him in a starting role at 2nd next season. Arroyo at least has a chance to be a good player.
 

cantor44

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 23, 2020
1,637
Chicago, IL
Iglesias is a finished product at this point, or really a declining product, his bat has been a massive help so far, but I'd be shocked if he doesn't go back to being a terrible hitter next year whatever team he ends up with while continuing to get worse in the field.

For the minimum or close to it as a utility infielder maybe, I'd want no part at all of even considering him in a starting role at 2nd next season. Arroyo at least has a chance to be a good player.
You're likely right on Iglesias ... Arroyo has been solid in the field second, and has hit a couple of moon shot home runs ... but he's 26 and has never really done anything in the majors. A career MiLB OPS of under .770 in 8 seasons ...I wonder if he can be a good player. He's had some bursts for a week here and there ...are there better indicators than that?
 

scottyno

late Bloomer
SoSH Member
Dec 7, 2008
11,304
You're likely right on Iglesias ... Arroyo has been solid in the field second, and has hit a couple of moon shot home runs ... but he's 26 and has never really done anything in the majors. A career MiLB OPS of under .770 in 8 seasons ...I wonder if he can be a good player. He's had some bursts for a week here and there ...are there better indicators than that?
He's hitting the ball more in the air this year than in the past while still hitting the ball just as hard, so maybe? It's hard to say because the only time he's ever really had even semi consistent playing time was as a 22 year old rookie when he was terrible, and he's presumably improved since then.
 

BringBackMo

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
1,316
This is what we always do when a pickup has a hot streak. Jose Iglesias made it to the Sox because we needed a short-term, regular season stabilizer at 2B in order to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot. If he’d been eligible for the playoffs, other contenders would have kicked the tires. We had a pressing need that the competition didn’t because of the outbreak so he was a fit here. He fell to us, we grabbed him, and he’s done exactly what was hoped—stabilized the position. Next year the front office will almost certainly look to upgrade, whether via a healthy Arroyo or a short term free agent signing. Iglesias for two years makes zero sense.

While we’re discussing 2B, Jeter Downs’ stock has, rightly, plummeted this year, but he’s had a decent September, is still young, and is someone that think the front office still believes in. I don’t see them doing anything at second this off-season that is for more than 2022.
 

bosockboy

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
19,862
St. Louis, MO
This is what we always do when a pickup has a hot streak. Jose Iglesias made it to the Sox because we needed a short-term, regular season stabilizer at 2B in order to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot. If he’d been eligible for the playoffs, other contenders would have kicked the tires. We had a pressing need that the competition didn’t because of the outbreak so he was a fit here. He fell to us, we grabbed him, and he’s done exactly what was hoped—stabilized the position. Next year the front office will almost certainly look to upgrade, whether via a healthy Arroyo or a short term free agent signing. Iglesias for two years makes zero sense.

While we’re discussing 2B, Jeter Downs’ stock has, rightly, plummeted this year, but he’s had a decent September, is still young, and is someone that think the front office still believes in. I don’t see them doing anything at second this off-season that is for more than 2022.
Unless they have a talk with Xander.
 

Cesar Crespo

79
SoSH Member
Dec 22, 2002
21,588
This is what we always do when a pickup has a hot streak. Jose Iglesias made it to the Sox because we needed a short-term, regular season stabilizer at 2B in order to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot. If he’d been eligible for the playoffs, other contenders would have kicked the tires. We had a pressing need that the competition didn’t because of the outbreak so he was a fit here. He fell to us, we grabbed him, and he’s done exactly what was hoped—stabilized the position. Next year the front office will almost certainly look to upgrade, whether via a healthy Arroyo or a short term free agent signing. Iglesias for two years makes zero sense.

While we’re discussing 2B, Jeter Downs’ stock has, rightly, plummeted this year, but he’s had a decent September, is still young, and is someone that think the front office still believes in. I don’t see them doing anything at second this off-season that is for more than 2022.
There's also Nick Yorke who has a slim chance at being ready by 2023. I don't see them doing much either.
 

dynomite

Member
SoSH Member
Good article today by Abraham about the conundrum Cora faces over these last two weeks: how much do you play Iglesias to make the playoffs, and how much do you play Arroyo so that he's ready for the playoffs?

Playing José Iglesias at second base would do the most to help his team make the playoffs and secure home-field advantage for the Wild Card Game on Oct. 4.
...
But once Game 162 is over, so is his season. Only players who were in the organization Aug. 31 are eligible for the playoffs. So Cora must balance using Iglesias, while at the same time preparing Christian Arroyo for a starting role in the postseason.
...
Arroyo has played only three games in the majors since July 18 because of illness and injuries. Counting six games in Triple A, he has had only 22 at-bats in the last two months.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/09/21/sports/playoffs-approach-alex-cora-filled-with-second-thoughts/

Seems to me that the Sox probably want Iglesias at 2B for the entire Yankees series this weekend, while Arroyo should/could get a start tonight against the Mets and then more next week in Baltimore and Washington, depending upon the standings and how Arroyo is handling his return?
 

snowmanny

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 8, 2005
15,667
Iglesias has been good here so far but having seen him play over the years I am unconvinced he's better than Arroyo. On the other hand I am also unconvinced that Arroyo has to play much in the regular season in order to be ready for the playoffs; I think they can get him there other ways. So I'm fine with playing the hot hand but I don't expect it to stay hot for long.
 

Sandy Leon Trotsky

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 11, 2007
6,347
This is the correct answer. You gotta get there first. Whoever gives you the best chance to get there plays for now.
I dunno... I mean, yeah absolutely.... and in an ideal world, we'd just tell Arroyo that since he's been out for so long, that he's not going to be on the playoff roster and the Sox could add Iglesias. But since they can't and Arroyo needs to be there... they HAVE to get him some ML game action. If the Sox get up by more than 4 runs in any game after the 5th inning I would bring Arroyo in.
 

BaseballJones

ivanvamp
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
24,375
I dunno... I mean, yeah absolutely.... and in an ideal world, we'd just tell Arroyo that since he's been out for so long, that he's not going to be on the playoff roster and the Sox could add Iglesias. But since they can't and Arroyo needs to be there... they HAVE to get him some ML game action. If the Sox get up by more than 4 runs in any game after the 5th inning I would bring Arroyo in.
Sure in that case yeah. Or if Iglesias cools off like he's probably bound to (because let's face it, he's not really THAT great). He's currently sporting a line of .382/.447/.588/1.036, which obviously is WAY above his true talent level.

Though I will say that from 2019-2021, he's been a decent hitter.

312 g, 1165 pa, .291/.324/.419/.743

That's totally fine as long as he's playing good defense.
 

dynomite

Member
SoSH Member
I dunno... I mean, yeah absolutely.... and in an ideal world, we'd just tell Arroyo that since he's been out for so long, that he's not going to be on the playoff roster and the Sox could add Iglesias. But since they can't and Arroyo needs to be there... they HAVE to get him some ML game action. If the Sox get up by more than 4 runs in any game after the 5th inning I would bring Arroyo in.
I agree with this. You can’t stick Arroyo at 2B in a do-or-die Wild Card playoff game with effectively zero ML reps since the All Star break. I also recognize that you have to make it there first, but given their current lead there can hopefully be a balance.

I want and expect Iglesias to start for all 3 Yankees games of course. Tonight you probably keep Iglesias in there to start because they’ve got the win streak going and need to win with Sale on the mound, and see if Arroyo can be a late inning sub if the Sox are up (or.. nevermind) by a lot.

Apart from that, I think than hope has to be for Arroyo to get at least a few starts next week in Baltimore and Washington unless disaster strikes and the Sox are fighting for their playoff lives.

Let’s hope they sweep the Yankees this weekend and basically render it a moot point.