The New York Mets did not re-sign Jose Iglesias, instead allowing the Latin pop star to leave for the San Diego Padres. It's a new era in New York.

That opportunity, too, began with a minor league deal. Iglesias signed that one in December 2023, participated in a full spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and he was hitting .273/.309/.442 with seven homers in 42 games at Triple-A Syracuse when the Mets called him up to replace the struggling Brett Baty.