to a 4 year deal worth $8.2 million, which included a club-record $6 million signing bonus. That’s a boatload of loot for a teenager, but those numbers show how much confidence the Sox have that Iglesias is the future of the shortstop position for the big club. His on-field numbers tell us the story of a slick fielding infielder who has been described as having “lightening-fast hands, quick feet and (a) strong arm.” He has been compared to Ozzie Smith and Orlando Cabrera for his fielding prowess (Beyond Fenway bows at the altar of Ozzie Smith, so I assure you that this is a VERY good thing!). His range, hands and arm have all been rated as high as can be and he is already being called a Gold Glove shortstop in the making.
His question marks come at the plate where his 175 pound frame seems to lack major power. He is a contact hitter with a quick bat, but at times his patience at the plate is questionable. This should improve as he gets more playing time with comparable talent. I think anything he can add offensively will be a bonus as he was signed with the sole intent of being the defensive backbone of the organization. His speed has been listed as “above average”, so expect him to also improve on the base paths before he reaches Fenway.
Baseball America has him down as the 9th best prospect in the Red Sox system and that ranking is sure to rise throughout the season. Experts are predicting that he will start the season with AA Portland, so this will give you an excellent chance to check out the shortstop of the future for the Sox. Sometimes a player like this can be too hyped, but based on what he has showed so far in Spring Training, all of the above is holding true to form for Iglesias.
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