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Washington Nationals: Free Agent Preview José Iglesias

By Max Rayman

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 15: José Iglesias #12 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 15, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. The Red Sox defeated the Mariners 9-4. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 15: José Iglesias #12 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 15, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. The Red Sox defeated the Mariners 9-4. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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In the middle of the lockout, it is time to take a look at another free agent profile. Next up is veteran infielder José Iglesias.

Before the MLB lockout began, the Nationals had been relatively quiet to start the off-season. While the Rangers, Mets, and Tigers were spending money like there was no tomorrow, Washington had yet to make any drastic moves. They brought back Alcides Escobar and signed César Hernández on respective one-year deals.

Hernández primarily plays second, but will probably be the team’s main bench bat due to Luis Garcia. Garica is seen by many as a future cornerstone of the team and deserves everyday playing time. Escobar became the Nationals starter at short last season after Trea Turner was traded to the Dodgers.

Escobar did an excellent job regarding the circumstances, but shouldn’t be leaned on as the team’s starter. Instead, they use him off the bench and target another infielder in free agency. Enter José Iglesias.

Fresh off of hitting .271 with nine homers, and 48 RBIs with the Angels and Red Sox, Iglesias will be an instant boost to the offense. He started the season with the Angles and struggled to a slash line of .256/.295/.375. Shipped out to Boston, he was able to rediscover his swing. Iglesias was used sparingly, but in 23 games he slashed .356/.406/.508, with a .915 OPS.

While he lacks in power, he can consistently get on base and brings some much-needed veteran leadership to a young team. Iglesias is a candidate to replace Escobar in two spot, but should be used towards the bottle of the lineup as a sparkplug.

Defensively, he has started to quickly become a liability and this was on full display last season. He posted a -6.1 ultimate zone rating and -22 defensive runs saved. If Washington decides against splurging at short, platooning Escobar and Iglesias is another option. It keeps both veterans fresh and allows for Manager Dave Martinez to play matchup.

Signing Iglesias isn’t a sexy move, but his bat can help, and at the trade deadline he can be flipped for prospects, similar to what the Angels did.

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