Jose Iglesias Reunion with Ex-Mets Teammates Ends in Walk-Off — Is a Padres Revival Brewing?

Jose Iglesias, a name once well-known through the dugouts of Queens, returned to the spotlight in dramatic fashion Monday night. This was when he scored the winning run in a walk-off thriller as the San Diego Padres defeated the New York Mets 7–6. What began with warm embraces between Iglesias and his former teammates ended with stunned silence from the visiting dugout, as the ex-Met helped halt the NL East leaders' seven-game winning streak.

Though his 2025 season has lacked the spark of last year's unexpected breakout, this ninth-inning dash across home plate could mark a turning point in both Iglesias' fortunes and the Padres' trajectory.

A Hero's Welcome in San Diego

Iglesias' reunion with the Mets ahead of the series opener at Petco Park was filled with visible affection and nostalgia. The reception from former teammates highlighted his impact during the 2024 season, where his mid-season arrival helped catalyse a memorable run.

Though only with New York for one year, Iglesias earned cult-favourite status. This was thanks to timely hitting, spirited play and even a musical hit, when his song 'OMG' became an unofficial anthem during the Mets' summer surge.

Now 35, the veteran infielder's performance with San Diego has been less inspiring on paper. Still, the emotion of his return against familiar faces seemed to stir something deeper.

A Ninth-Inning Twist

The Mets carried a 5–1 lead into the fifth inning and looked poised to extend their winning streak. But San Diego's bats came alive with a five-run rally. This was ignited by Luis Arraez's two-run homer off the right-field foul pole. The Mets answered back in the ninth with a solo shot from Ronny Mauricio, tying the game and threatening to snatch victory.

Enter Jose Iglesias.

With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Iglesias reached on a bunt that was misplayed by Mets reliever Gregory Soto. Advancing on a fielder's choice, Iglesias stood on second base as Elías Díaz lined a single into left-centre. The veteran charged home, crossing the plate for San Diego's fifth walk-off win of the year.

It was his only run of the night. But for Iglesias, and possibly the Padres, it might have meant more than a single digit on the scorecard.

A Season in Search of Meaning

For most of 2025, Jose Iglesias has struggled to replicate the magic he brought to Citi Field. With the Padres currently third in the NL West, the infielder has posted a batting line of .233/.292/.270. According to Rising Apple, his offensive output has left Padres fans wanting, with no home runs and a middling .620 OPS with runners in scoring position.

Despite this, Iglesias has continued to feature in the lineup. He's often praised for his leadership and clubhouse presence. In Saturday's matchup against the Reds, he slotted into the seventh spot in the batting order. This was indicative of the trust manager Mike Shildt still places in his veteran utility man.

Could This Spark Something More?

It's too early to declare a renaissance for either the player or the Padres. Yet the symbolism of Iglesias scoring the winning run against the very team that elevated him to fan-favourite status carries weight. The Padres, who have been tinkering with their rotation and bullpen, are searching for consistency. Iglesias, for his part, may have just found his spark in a single, cathartic sprint home.

Jose Iglesias did not dominate headlines this season. But after Monday night's theatrics, both fans and analysts may be watching more closely for what comes next.