José Iglesias, the Cuban-born MLB veteran and Latin pop star, is trading his cleats for a stage as he joins the cast of Buena Vista Social Club for a six-week run beginning August 27, 2026. The 13-year MLB player, best known for his 2024 anthem “OMG” with the New York Mets, will play the Narrator in the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical, which celebrates Cuba’s iconic 1997 album of the same name. This marks a historic moment: Iglesias becomes the first Latino MLB player to appear on Broadway, according to the production, which announced his casting Thursday.
From Baseball Diamonds to Broadway Stages
Iglesias’ journey to Broadway began with a surprise phone call. When producers approached him about joining Buena Vista Social Club, he initially questioned if they had the right person. Are you guys calling the right guy?
he recalled asking, per The New York Times. The response: Yes, we know who we’re talking to.
The opportunity came after his 2024 season with the Mets, during which his song “OMG” became an unofficial anthem, reaching No. 1 on the iTunes Latin Pop Charts and earning him a spot in the spotlight beyond baseball.
The musical, which opened last year and won five Tony Awards, centers on the story of Cuban musicians who revived their careers after the 1959 revolution. Iglesias, who played for eight MLB teams including the Mets and Padres, will portray the Narrator, a role that ties his personal history to the show’s cultural narrative. To represent Buena Vista Social Club—and to do it on Broadway—is something deeply meaningful,
Iglesias said in a statement cited by New York Theatre Guide. This musical is unique, powerful, and unlike anything else.
A Star in Multiple Worlds
Iglesias’ dual career as a baseball player and musician has long blurred the lines between sports and entertainment. As “Candelita,” he released hits like “OMG,” which he performed on the field after Mets victories, including a memorable appearance at the 2024 All-MLB Awards. Iglesias performed the song at the Mets’ Citi Field after a game in June 2024.
The Buena Vista Social Club production, which features live Afro-Cuban music, has deep roots in Iglesias’ heritage. Born in Havana, he played for the Cuban national team before moving to the U.S., a background that aligns with the musical’s focus on Cuban cultural resilience. Director Saheem Ali, quoted in Playbill, praised Iglesias’ charisma that was unique and authentic,
noting his personal affinity for Buena Vista’s Cuban heritage.
The show’s 2025 debut at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre marked a milestone in Broadway’s celebration of Latin music, and Iglesias’ participation adds another layer to its legacy.
What This Means for Iglesias and Broadway
Iglesias’ Broadway debut raises questions about the future of athletes in the performing arts. While baseball and theater rarely intersect, his transition highlights a growing trend of athletes leveraging their fame in unexpected ways. It’s rare that someone conquers one of the world’s biggest stages before ever stepping onto ours,
said producer Orin Wolf in a New York Theatre Guide statement. From the pinnacle of Major League Baseball to the top of the Latin Billboard charts, José has filled stadiums and captivated audiences around the world.
For Iglesias, the move represents a new chapter after a 13-year MLB career. He last played in 2025 with the Padres, appearing in 112 games, and was unsigned last offseason. While he has not officially announced his retirement, his focus has shifted to Broadway. This is actually the first time ever that I won’t grab a bat,
he told The New York Times, reflecting on the significance of his decision.
The Broader Impact of a Historic Debut
Iglesias’ casting in Buena Vista Social Club underscores the growing recognition of Latin talent in American theater. Iglesias’ role as the Narrator, a character tied to the Cuban music revival, adds a personal dimension to the production. It’s a dream come true to be part of such a great musical,
he said, per MLB.com.
The production’s success also highlights the enduring influence of the 1997 Buena Vista Social Club album, which brought global attention to Cuban music. Iglesias’ participation ensures that the story of the original musicians—many of whom were rediscovered in the 1990s—continues to resonate. As he prepares for his Broadway debut, Iglesias remains focused on the challenge ahead. I lost some sleep, I’m not gonna lie,
he admitted to The New York Times, reflecting on the nerves of stepping onto a new stage.
For audiences, Iglesias’ story is a testament to the versatility of athletes and the power of cultural storytelling. His journey from MLB star to Broadway performer is not just a personal achievement but a symbol of the intersections between sports, music, and theater. As Buena Vista Social Club continues its run, Iglesias’ presence ensures that the show’s legacy will include a new chapter—one written by a man who has conquered stages both on and off the field.
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