Former All-Star SS Jose Iglesias Reportedly Signs With Orioles
By Sam Dunn
The Baltimore Orioles had themselves a 2019 to forget, and they're turning the page in the new year with the help of a key middle infield signing.
As first reported by insider Mark Feinsand and later confirmed by the team, the O's have agreed to terms with former Cincinnati Reds shortstop Jose Iglesias on a one-year deal, plus a team option for a second.
BREAKING - The #Orioles have reportedly signed shortstop José Iglesias to a 1-year, $3 million deal. pic.twitter.com/6UocDYtexA
— Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) January 6, 2020
Iglesias is a serviceable player at the plate, hitting .288 with a .724 OPS last year, his best season as a hitter since his 2015 All-Star campaign with the Detroit Tigers.
He'll be most helpful in the field, however, thanks to the range he consistently covers at shortstop. He's led all AL shortstops in fielding percentage twice, and actually ranks fourth all-time in that metric among all players at his position.
This wasn't an out...but we still think you should see this José Iglesias play. pic.twitter.com/2oV04fOo79
— Cut4 (@Cut4) August 29, 2019
After losing 108 games last season, to say that Baltimore could use a new start is a massive understatement. Fortunately, adding a low-risk veteran like Iglesias on inexpensive contracts to the ranks cannot possibly hurt matters.