It reads like a cruel twist of fate.
In 2013, his first full season in the big leagues, Jose Iglesias was a regular contributor to the Red Sox, splitting time between third base and shortstop. A coveted infielder who defected from Cuba, Iglesias was thought to be a big part of the Red Sox' future.
But in late July, with the team in need of starting pitching depth, Iglesias was part of a package in a three-team trade involving the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers that landed Jake Peavy in Boston.
As fate would have it, the Red Sox and Tigers, to whom Iglesias was dealt, met in the American League Championship Series. But the Sox defeated the Tigers and went on to win the World Series against St. Louis, with Iglesias watching from afar.
Now, eight years later, Iglesias has returned to the Sox, this time mostly contributing at yet another infield position, second base. He's hit safely in 12 straight games and helped settle the infield that, weeks ago, was error-prone.
But the goal of taking part in the postseason with the team that originally signed him to his first pro contract continues to elude Iglesias. Because he signed with the Sox in the first week of September and wasn't part of the organization by the Sept. 1 cutoff date mandated by MLB, Iglesias won't be eligible for the playoffs. When the Red Sox regular season comes to an end in Washington Sunday, so, too, will his on-field availability.
"I really didn't start thinking about it until (some reporters asked),'' said Iglesias. "I only have one goal and that's to help the team win (every) night. That's literally my 100 percent focus and commitment. Obviously, you want to be part of it, especially how familiar I am and how close I am with this organization. We'll see what happens. No matter what, I feel very proud that I've given everything I've got to this organization and I'm very, very thankful for the opportunity. I've performed for them, but if not in (the postseason), I'll be rooting for them."
It's not uncommon for players who don't make the playoff roster to be in uniform and in the dugout for postseason games -- an injured Dustin Pedroia was a vocal presence in the dugout during the 2018 World Series run -- though Iglesias said he hasn't that conversation with anyone yet.
"Our focus is to win,'' said Iglesias. "I don't want that to be a distraction at all. I want to make it first and then we'll figure it out later. But I'll talk to the guys here -- players and the front office -- and if there is something I can do to stick around, I'd be happy to, of course. I can continue to help players, on and off the field, and just be another voice there and keep rooting for the guys. Obviously, I feel part of this and we're going through the most important time of the year. So if there's an opportunity for me to stay, I'd be happy to, for sure.''
It's clear that the Sox value the contributions from Iglesias. Even though Christian Arroyo was activated from the COVID-IL late last week, Iglesias remained as the starter at second base for the next few games. Not until the series finale with the Yankees Sunday did Arroyo get a chance to be in the starting lineup, with Iglesias relegated to the bench.
Even though Arroyo is likely to be the starting second baseman in the wild card game -- assuming the Sox qualify -- it's telling that Cora was reluctant to move away from Iglesias. The infielder, who had played just one game in his career at second until this month, has adapted to the position like it was a natural spot for him, working seamlessly with shortstop Xander Bogaerts on double play exchanges and contributing a handful of acrobatic plays on his own. Known primarily for his glovework, it doesn't hurt that he's also stitched together a 12-game hitting streak and supplied some offense, too, slashing .370/.431/.565 with seven RBI in 17 games.
Iglesias asked for his release from the Los Angeles Angels in early September, and after spending much of the season on a team out of contention, coming to the Sox seems to have invigorated him.
"When you're playing for something,'' he said, "your skills take over. It's a challenge (tackling an unfamiliar position), I'm not going to lie to you. But I accept it. I feel very comfortable. Knowing Bogie, and our communication and our chemistry, helps a lot. It would be very difficult to play with someone (as a double-play partner) who you don't know. But Bogie I have clicked right away. It probably took me a few games to work on angles, but I adjusted very quickly. I feel comfortable over there.''
Iglesias is a free agent after this season and turning 32 in January, still sees himself as a starting shortstop. But if he can't find a good situation this winter, the prospect of returning to the Red Sox in 2022 -- either contending for the second base job, or as a utility option -- intrigues him.
"A guy who can play short at a high level can move around (to other infield spots),'' he said. "I see myself as a shortstop, but if a team needed me somewhere, to win, and they gave me the opportunity to perform and help them win, I don't mind. I'm ready to win and I'm ready to help a team win. So whatever position doesn't really matter. It's a good thing, I guess, for teams to see you that way, as an asset.''