Jose Antonio Iglesias Aleman Bio
Jose Antonio Iglesias Aleman is a Cuban-born American professional baseball shortstop and second baseman who has played in Major League Baseball for over a decade. He made his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2011 and has since established himself as a reliable contact hitter and elite defensive player across multiple organizations. In addition to his baseball career, Iglesias has achieved success as a Latin pop recording artist performing under the name Candelita. He was selected as an American League All-Star in 2015 and has accumulated over 1,200 career hits during his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Jose Antonio Iglesias Aleman was born on January 5, 1990, in Cuba. While growing up in Cuba, he played baseball with La Habana of the Cuban National Series, developing his skills as a young shortstop in the island nation’s baseball system. His exceptional defensive abilities and bat control caught the attention of scouts early in his development.
In July 2008, Iglesias made the decision to defect from Cuba alongside pitcher Noel Arguelles while the Cuban junior national team was competing in Canada. This pivotal moment set the stage for his eventual path to professional baseball in the United States. After establishing residency, he signed as an international amateur free agent with the Boston Red Sox in September 2009, beginning his journey toward MLB.
Path to Professional Baseball
Prior to the 2011 season, Iglesias was recognized as the sole Red Sox prospect on the MLB.com annual list of top 50 baseball prospects, where he earned the 42nd ranking. This distinction highlighted his potential as a future contributor at the highest level of the sport. He dedicated himself to refining his craft in the minor leagues, preparing for his eventual call-up to the major league roster.
Iglesias made his major league debut on May 8, 2011, entering as a defensive substitute for Jed Lowrie in the ninth inning of a 9-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins. His first career start came just three days later on May 11, 2011, when he stepped onto the field against the Oakland Athletics.
Jose Antonio Iglesias Aleman Career
Boston Red Sox Era (2011-2013)
During his initial stint with the Boston Red Sox from 2011 to 2013, Iglesias showcased glimpses of his potential despite limited opportunities. In his debut season, he made an immediate impact by representing the game-winning run, scoring from first base on a Carl Crawford double in the 11th inning of a dramatic victory. The following year, he appeared late in the 2012 season as a backup and hit his first career home run during this stretch.
The 2013 season proved to be his breakthrough campaign with the Red Sox. He started the year in Boston, compiling a impressive .330 batting average through 63 games with three home runs and 29 RBIs. Notably, he maintained a remarkable 18-game hitting streak during this period. His exceptional performance earned him American League Rookie of the Month honors for June 2013. He finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting that season, narrowly edged out by Wil Myers.
Detroit Tigers Era (2013-2018)
On July 30, 2013, Iglesias was traded to the Detroit Tigers in a three-team transaction involving the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox. He assumed jersey number 1, becoming the first Tigers player to wear that number since Lou Whitaker retired in 1995. When starting shortstop Jhonny Peralta received a 50-game suspension for connections to the Biogenesis scandal, Iglesias stepped into the everyday shortstop role and never looked back.
The 2014 season was lost entirely due to stress fractures in both of his shins, forcing him to miss the entire campaign. He returned in 2015 and was selected as an American League All-Star, posting a .300 batting average in 416 at-bats with 17 doubles. The following year, he reached career highs with 137 games played and 467 at-bats while demonstrating exceptional contact skills, leading all major league players with a 91.2% contact percentage on his swings.
Following the 2016 season, Iglesias was named a Gold Glove Award finalist for shortstop, highlighting his defensive excellence. His .991 fielding percentage led the American League, and his 11.6 ultimate zone rating ranked third among AL shortstops. He continued to produce for the Tigers through the 2018 season, batting .269 with a career-high 15 stolen bases before a lower abdominal strain ended his season in September.
Journeyman Years (2019-2024)
After leaving Detroit, Iglesias embarked on a period of movement through multiple organizations. In 2019, he signed with the Cincinnati Reds and emerged as a starter when Scooter Gennett was injured during spring training. He responded with a strong season, batting .288 while setting career highs in home runs (11) and RBIs (59). He made contact with the highest percentage of pitches outside the strike zone of all National Leaguers that season.
The 2020 season with the Baltimore Orioles saw Iglesias excel despite limited playing time due to injuries. He posted a remarkable .373 batting average through 39 games before a torn quadriceps ended his season. He later joined the Los Angeles Angels for the 2021 season, appearing in 114 games and hitting .259 with eight home runs and 41 RBIs before being released in September.
Iglesias returned briefly to Boston in September 2021, appearing in 23 games and batting an impressive .356 with one home run and seven RBIs. The following season with the Colorado Rockies in 2022, he appeared in 118 games while slashing .292/.328/.380 with 47 RBIs.
New York Mets Breakthrough (2024)
Iglesias signed with the New York Mets organization in December 2023 and began the 2024 season with Triple-A Syracuse. On May 31, 2024, his contract was selected and he joined the major league roster. What followed was an extraordinary resurgence that captivated baseball fans and music listeners alike.
By the All-Star break on July 14, 2024, Iglesias was batting an extraordinary .380 with a .999 OPS. During his time with the Mets from May 31 onward, the team posted a 26-13 record, the best in Major League Baseball. He finished the 2024 season with a .337 batting average in 85 games, along with a remarkable 22-game hitting streak to close the campaign. The Mets posted a 66-40 record from May 31 through September 30, the best in all of baseball during that span.
San Diego Padres (2025)
On March 5, 2025, Iglesias signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres that included an invitation to spring training. He made the Opening Day roster and his contract was officially selected on March 27. During the 2025 season, he contributed with 36 RBIs, three home runs, and a batting average of .229 across his appearances with the team.
Jose Antonio Iglesias Aleman Musical Career
Beyond his accomplishments on the baseball diamond, Iglesias has achieved notable success as a Latin pop recording artist under the stage name Candelita. His single OMG climbed to the number one position on the iTunes Latin Pop charts in late June 2024 and debuted at number one on the Billboard Latin Digital Song Sales chart the following month. The song became the unofficial anthem of the 2024 New York Mets team, which became known as the OMG Mets, with players using an OMG sign to celebrate runs scored.
The infectious track resonated throughout the clubhouse and fanbase, with Iglesias performing it at Citi Field following a Mets victory over the Houston Astros on June 28. He later performed OMG at the 2024 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby, showcasing his musical talents to a national audience. One of the OMG Mets celebration signs was subsequently added to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, immortalizing this unique cultural moment.
Jose Antonio Iglesias Aleman Career Wins
Throughout his MLB career spanning from 2011 through 2025, Jose Antonio Iglesias Aleman has established himself as a consistent contact hitter with excellent defensive capabilities. He has accumulated over 1,200 career hits along with 54 home runs and 428 runs batted in while maintaining a career batting average of .279. His speed on the bases has contributed 70 stolen bases across his professional career.
Career Highlights
His most decorated season came in 2013 when he finished second in American League Rookie of the Year voting and earned AL Rookie of the Month honors for June. He was selected as an American League All-Star in 2015 during his tenure with the Detroit Tigers. His defensive prowess was recognized when he became a Gold Glove Award finalist in 2016, posting the lowest error rate among AL shortstops that season.
The 2024 season represented a career resurgence, as Iglesias batted .337 with the New York Mets while helping lead the team to one of the best records in baseball following his promotion from the minors. His OMG single’s success created a cultural phenomenon that united players and fans throughout the season.
Career Statistics Overview
Jose Antonio Iglesias Aleman has compiled impressive career totals across his MLB tenure. His career batting average stands at .279 with 1,207 hits, 54 home runs, 428 RBIs, and 70 stolen bases. His ability to make contact with pitches remains among the best in professional baseball, having led Major League Baseball in contact percentage during the 2016 season.
| Statistic | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .279 |
| Hits | 1,207 |
| Home Runs | 54 |
| Runs Batted In | 428 |
| Stolen Bases | 70 |
Jose Antonio Iglesias Aleman Personal Life
Family Background
On June 25, 2018, Iglesias became a naturalized United States citizen, transitioning from his Cuban heritage to American citizenship. He has embraced his opportunities in the United States while maintaining connections to his cultural roots, which are evident in his successful Latin music career.
Family Life
Iglesias has two children. His son was born in Coconut Grove, Florida, just one day before Hurricane Irma arrived in the area in 2017. His daughter was born in June 2019. The baseball veteran balances his professional career with his responsibilities as a father while continuing to pursue his passion for music alongside his athletic endeavors.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new chapter in Jose Antonio Iglesias Aleman career as he joined the San Diego Padres organization on a minor league contract. After impressing during spring training, he earned a spot on the Opening Day roster. Throughout the season, he contributed defensively at shortstop and second base while providing veteran leadership in the clubhouse.
His offensive production included three home runs and 36 RBIs while maintaining his reputation as a contact-oriented hitter. Following the conclusion of the regular season, Iglesias became a free agent, leaving him to explore new opportunities while continuing his professional baseball career at the highest level.