Jose Iglesias to Perform Hit Single ‘OMG’ Before Home Run Derby

Jose Iglesias is heading to Texas to partake in the All-Star festivities this week. However, the veteran infielder isn’t going as an All-Star player but as a pop star.

His single, “OMG,” released under the stage name “Candelita,” recently hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Digital Song Sales chart. The song, which revolves around overcoming hard times with a positive attitude, became the Mets’ go-to celebration track after victories and home runs. This success earned Iglesias an invitation to perform the song Monday ahead of the Home Run Derby.

“I’ve had the privilege to make the All-Star Game as a player, and now as a singer,” Iglesias said Sunday at Citi Field during a surprise appearance with Mr. and Mrs. Met’s Kids Club. “I’m very humbled by it.”

The 34-year-old Cuban-American has swiftly become a popular figure on the team. Left-hander Sean Manaea also appeared at the Kids Club event, demonstrating some stretching and drills to children under age 12 while explaining his pre-game pitching routine.

Yet, Iglesias stole the show. He shared his defection story with the kids and answered their questions about baseball and music. He even promised that the Mets would make the playoffs and vowed to perform on the field for fans again when they did.

The kids enjoyed Manaea’s presentation, but their excitement peaked when Iglesias led them through the chorus and taught them the dance moves to “OMG.”

“Just to be able to lead by example for those kids right there, this makes my day,” Iglesias said. “You see their expressions and seeing them dance to my song, it’s unique.”

Now, Iglesias will take his show on the road, performing for fans of all 30 teams.

Initially, Iglesias was unsure of the opportunity. When his manager informed him that the league had invited him to perform, he considered turning it down. With limited chances to see his kids in Miami during the season, Iglesias felt inclined to spend the entire break with his family.

However, the timing worked out well. By performing Monday night, Iglesias only sacrifices one day with his children. He’ll stay to cheer on Pete Alonso in the Home Run Derby before heading to Miami, where the Mets open the second half of the season on Friday.

“It’s a win-win situation,” Iglesias said.

It’s remarkable that Iglesias started the season on a minor league contract with the Mets and began in Triple-A Syracuse. Even more surprising is that he hadn’t played in a big league game since 2022 when the Mets called him up in June. He quickly won over his teammates with his defensive skills and his knack for hitting the ball.

Since his call-up, Iglesias has posted a .380 batting average with a .999 OPS in 30 games. He went 4-for-4 with a walk on Sunday in the Mets’ loss to the Colorado Rockies.

“Right now, he can’t do any wrong at the plate,” said Alonso.

Iglesias’ addition has strengthened the lineup and improved the Mets’ defense.

After releasing utility infielder Joey Wendle, the Mets experimented with using third baseman Brett Baty as a utility infielder but found it to be ineffective. The team decided to send Baty back to Triple-A and needed a reliable utility infielder capable of playing multiple positions and contributing offensively.

“The man is doing it right now,” Alonso said. “He’s been fantastic with the bat, but he’s been so much better with his glove. He makes unbelievable plays defensively. He’s super savvy.”

The song and the positive energy are added bonuses.

The Mets value Iglesias as much as he values being part of the organization. They’ve embraced him as a musician and given him a platform to promote his single. Additionally, they’ve provided him a second chance at a big-league career, one he wasn’t sure he would have.

Iglesias hasn’t hesitated to express his gratitude.

“There is no ‘OMG’ without the Mets,” he said. “There is nothing without this great team and the great fans we have.”

Following Sunday’s game, the Mets optioned right-hander Eric Orze to Triple-A Syracuse. Left-hander David Peterson is expected to be reinstated from the paternity list after the All-Star break.

Source: New York Daily News, Tribune Content Agency, LLC.