José Iglesias, a former Major League Baseball shortstop with 13 seasons of experience, is set to make his Broadway debut this August in the Tony Award-winning musical “Buena Vista Social Club.” Iglesias will join the production as the narrator for a six-week engagement beginning August 27 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater in New York City, marking him as the first Latino MLB player to perform on Broadway, according to the show’s producers.
Iglesias, who played most recently for the San Diego Padres in 2024, made the transition from professional athlete to performer after his music—a blend of pop with Cuban influences—gained recognition during his baseball career. Under the stage name Candelita, Iglesias released the song “OMG” two years ago, which became an unofficial anthem for his team at the time, the New York Mets. He performed the song live at Citi Field in June 2024.
Nearly a year after his last major league game, Iglesias described the opportunity to join “Buena Vista Social Club,” a musical homage to the legendary Cuban Afro-Cuban band, as “breathtaking.” The production showcases the band’s story and music, which Iglesias says he grew up listening to thanks to his father’s influence. The show, which opened in 2023, has earned significant acclaim, including a 2026 Grammy for best musical theater album and multiple Tony Awards in 2025.
Although Iglesias is still working out the extent of his role’s musical and theatrical demands, he anticipates performing at least one song on stage. Preparing for Broadway has challenged him, requiring a new set of skills in acting and stage presence. “In theater, everything is so big,” Iglesias said, noting the difference from his familiar world of baseball. To ready himself, he has enlisted vocal and acting coaches to help translate his energy and presence to the stage. He compared the nerves leading up to his debut to facing a top pitcher in a playoff game.
Iglesias’ path to this milestone follows a winding journey. Born in Cuba, he defected as a teenager to pursue a career in baseball, eventually signing with the Boston Red Sox in 2009 after a period in Canada. He spent much of his professional career known for defensive prowess rather than power hitting. Last year in Major League Baseball, Iglesias played in 112 games with the Padres and previously helped the Mets reach the National League Championship Series in 2024, hitting .337 in 85 regular-season games.
Despite hoping to continue playing professionally this season, Iglesias did not receive calls from MLB teams following last offseason. He views his move to Broadway not as a closing chapter but as an opening to new opportunities. Iglesias also expressed hope that other baseball players might find encouragement to explore talents beyond the sport.
Fellow Mets star Francisco Lindor, who described Iglesias as a close friend, plans to attend a performance and commented, “It’s gonna be fun. I haven’t seen him in a long time and I miss him, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Iglesias reflected on the contrast between his past and present: “I left my country, I left my family... I didn’t know where I was gonna sleep. One and a half years later, I was hitting bloopers in Fenway Park.” He acknowledged his reputation as a player was more defensive than offensive but emphasized the personal significance of pursuing this new challenge. “I love energy. I love life. I love making an impact in people’s lives, however I can,” he said.