Free Agent Shortstop Leaning Toward The Miami Marlins

One of the last remaining viable free agents on the market certainly seems to be showing a preference for his next landing spot. 11-year veteran Cuban shortstop Jose Iglesias has spoken openly about his desire to play in Miami.

Speaking with Pelota Cubana website, Iglesias said he "would love to be part of a team" like the Marlins.

I think it's a team that I could help a lot both on and off the field. There is definitely a real possibility that something will come of it at some point... 

Miami is doing a job. Kim [Ng, general manager] and her team are trying to put the best possible team on the field and I respect that. They have brought [Jose] Segura. You can see they want to put a good product on the field and I would love to be part of a team that wants to win...

I like what Miami is doing and I think i would contribute.

The aforementioned Segura was brought in to play third base, while the Marlins have also acquired 2022 batting champion Luis Arraez from the Minnesota Twins to play second base, pushing Jazz Chisholm into center field. 

The Marlins, however, traded their shortstop—a Gold Glove finalist—from 2022, Miguel Rojas to the Los Angeles Dodgers, so the opening at the keystone could be there, particularly if they trade Joey Wendle, and there have been rumors in that regard.

Iglesias added that playing close to his home in Cuba would be a dream come true for him.

"Our Cuban community follows our players. Many Latinos follow us. I think it must be super interesting to have the opportunity for your kids to see you, for your family and close friends to be 15 minutes away from seeing you make that play or see you hit that big hit. It is an experience that is valuable to me."

Now it's up to the two sides to get a deal done.

Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports