The cliche is that rappers want to be ballers, and ballers want to be rappers — but the Mets’ Jose Iglesias is actually living both dreams.
With MLB’s All-Star break beginning on Monday, the 34-year-old revelation ventured to Arlington, Texas to join the festivities, though not as a player participant.
Instead, Iglesias performed his red-hot single “OMG” in front of fans and surrounded by cheerleaders donning All-Star uniforms.
The infielder swapped his usual blue, orange and white for an all-black fit reminiscent of a pop sensation fitted for the Grammys.
“That’s a unique opportunity,” Iglesias said on Sunday. “I’ve been an All-Star as a player, so now as a singer is pretty cool, right? It kind of surprised me. … I’m very humbled by the opportunity.”
Since it was released on June 28, “OMG” has steadily climbed to become one of the biggest Latin American songs around the world.
Indeed, Iglesias’ tune — under the pseudonym “Candelita” — still ranked No. 4 on iTunes’ top 100 Latin songs chart.
The chorus of “OMG” might be most applicable to Iglesias’ remarkable 2024 season.
After not appearing in an MLB game in 2023, Iglesias is hitting .380 with a .999 OPS in 30 games for the Mets, accumulating 1.1 wins above replacement — the same as slugger Pete Alonso.
Iglesias’ impressive stretch and international fame have dovetailed with a tremendous overall turnaround for the Mets, too.
Since “OMG” debuted, the Mets have gone 9-7, including winning seven of eight games.
The team has won its last three series against the Rockies, Nationals and Pirates.
Entering the All-Star break 49-46 and occupying the National League’s final wild-card spot, the Mets are hopeful that their latest stretch is more emblematic than their ugly start — and that Iglesias can undertake additional festive performances after wins.
Within the wider All-Star event schedule, Iglesias’ serves as a prelude to the Home Run Derby.