The Orioles announced that they have exercised their $3.5MM club option on Jose Iglesias’ services for the 2021 season. (MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko broke the news via Twitter earlier this morning.) It was a $3MM decision for Baltimore, as the shortstop would have otherwise received a $500K buyout had the option been declined.
Iglesias signed a one-year contract last winter that paid him $3MM in guaranteed money (which became just shy of $926K due to the reduced schedule) for 2020, and included the option for 2021. Traditionally a glove-first player and a strong defensive shortstop, Iglesias ended up contributing in a much different manner than the O’s probably expected, as Iglesias exploded to hit .373/.400/.556 over 150 plate appearances. A whopping .407 BABIP was a big contributor to this performance, as Iglesias was only a .273/.315/.371 hitter in 2915 career PA prior to 2020.
While Iglesias still provided solid glovework, he played less shortstop than expected, as quad problems led to a short injured list stint and quite a bit of DH time. Needless to say, the Orioles would love a continuation of Iglesias’ breakout at the plate, but even if a “normal” Iglesias season in 2021 is more probable, the $3MM decision still seemed like a pretty straight-forward call.
With Iglesias now officially back in the fold, the Orioles can turn their attention to other potential infield moves, as possibly upgrading second and third base beyond Hanser Alberto and Rio Ruiz. Former Gold Glover Yolmer Sanchez was claimed off waivers from the White Sox on Friday, leading to speculation that Alberto could be a non-tender candidate.
Best move of the off-season
Marcelo Ozuna disagrees
When you take in the price difference, at a 3M price point compared to Ozuna’s 18M, I don’t think Ozuna is the better signing for this particular season.
And when you consider near MVP stats and 1 game from a world series. I respectfully disagree.
And when you consider Ozuna is a DH most should respectfully disagree with you.
Still better production than C. Davis.
Great decision last year to sign him and even better to accept the option. I also like the decision with claiming Yolmer. Interior defense use to be a problem. It’s no longer with them two. Now to see what we do with Hanser.
Hanser: Alberto: CF or everyday Super Sub similar to Tony Phillips?
He won’t play CF with Hays and Mullins there. He kills lefty pitching and would be a decent utility guy, but I think his expected salary will be too much for a part time player.
You’re suggesting a guy who has trouble turning routine plays at 2B should play CF? Have you watched anything more than a few defensive highlights of Alberto?
Might be the best defensive keystone in the boys.
Wow the O’s for once not being cheap as hell, good for them.
Yolmer Sanchez & Jose Iglesias would be a blast to watch turn double plays, man.
If they stay healthy, yes indeedy
They should trade him right now his value is at an alltime high and they are gonna be last in the division anyways.
He would be a really nice infield utility, injury replacement for a contender
Correct joe dirt. I bet some team has already contacted the O’s and said if they exercise the option, then they can trade him for xyz. Possible the Reds.
Huh.
Hadn’t thought about that.
The middle infield is teeming with free agent options. As a Yankee fan I’m keeping tabs on it due to a potential loss of DJ.
Can see an argument made that signing LaStella & then adding a good defensive SS to upgrade Tyler Wade’s spot may be a better way to go.
Was hoping Iglesias would be on the market. But, yeah. He may actually be. Just not as a free agent.
So far a really good off season for the Orioles. Jose and Sanchez is pretty solid defense.
No brainer for the O’s.
Inglesis went from being a good glove no hit to a doubles machine this past season
No-brainer for the Orioles. Sanchez/Iglesias double play combination could be scary good for the O’s
Good move.
If they were willing to basically pay him this past season, and he way exceeded expectations… then this is a no brainer decision. Worse case, you get what you’re expecting. Best cause, he repeats. Plus the prorated salary for 2020 made that a huge win for them. Basically 4.5 mil for 2 years of service. Yea, I’d take that for him even with his normal #’s