San Diego Padres Sign All-Star Shortstop

One of the best defenders of the last decade is headed to San Diego.

The San Diego Padres have signed former All-Star shortstop Jose Iglesias to a minor league contract after he exercised his opt-out clause from the Miami Marlins.

Jose Iglesias has agreed to a Minor League deal with the Padres, per source.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) April 25, 2023

Iglesias has played for the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, and Colorado Rockies over his 11-year career, batting .292 with a .328 on-base percentage and .708 OPS in 118 games last season with the Rockies.

Iglesias will join the Padres' Triple-A team, the El Paso Chihuahuas, alongside fellow former All-Stars Julio Teheran and Cole Hamels, as well as Robinson Cano, who played for the Chihuahuas last season.

The Padres' signing of Iglesias not only provides them with depth in the middle infield, but it also prevents the Los Angeles Dodgers from acquiring him as they deal with injuries to their own infielders.

The San Diego Padres have signed Jose Iglesias to a minor league contract. The shortstop has a .259 batting average along with 90 RBIs throughout his time in the minors. Congratulations Jose! pic.twitter.com/vZBpmqqKmX

— Milb Central (@milb_central) April 26, 2023

The veteran holds a .292/.325/.408 triple-slash line, 26 home runs, 178 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, and 191 runs scored over 440 games across the last four seasons.

While Iglesias' defensive metrics may have slipped in recent years, his experience and leadership should prove valuable to the Padres' roster. Still, the veteran infielder has never finished a season with a fielding percentage below .960

He could also potentially earn a call-up to the big leagues if needed, as he joins a list of former All-Stars looking to make an impact in the Padres' organization. Photo Credit:  Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports