No team had more mascots and unofficial cheers in 2024 than the New York Mets.
From Grimace, the McDonald’s mascot, to a dog munching on hot dogs, along with notable social media influencers, the Mets enjoyed a vibrant array of characters cheering them on throughout the season. However, the most impactful boost may have come from one of their utility infielders.
Veteran Jose Iglesias, who signed a minor-league contract with the Mets during Spring Training, had an outstanding season in Queens. His Latin pop hit “OMG” became a chart-topping success, and the Mets played it over the loudspeakers each time they hit a home run.
Given his remarkable year, it’s understandable that Iglesias and the Mets would seek to reunite. Insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently predicted that this reunion will occur, forecasting a two-year, $12 million contract for Iglesias to remain in New York.
“After sitting out the majors in 2023, Iglesias signed a minor-league deal with the Mets and ended up as their starting second baseman, playing in over half their games while posting an impressive .337/.381/.448 line (137 OPS+), including 16 doubles,” Bowden noted.
“He showcased an excellent batting approach, working counts and hitting to all fields, alongside his elite defense in the infield. Iglesias would be a valuable addition for many teams, but a return to the Mets seems like a perfect fit for everyone involved.”
Iglesias’s performance raises questions about whether he can replicate such success in future seasons. He batted .337 with an .830 OPS and 137 OPS+ over 85 games, while his career OPS sits at .710. His expected batting average, according to Baseball Savant, was only .286.
Can Iglesias capture that lightning in a bottle again in 2025? The Mets’ championship hopes may hinge on his ability to do just that.