SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Padres were handed disciplinary measures following their season-ending loss to the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card Series. MLB announced Friday that Padres infielder José Iglesias has been suspended for one game and fined for his unprofessional conduct toward the umpires after the game. Additionally, Xander Bogaerts, the team’s star shortstop, was also fined for his role in the heated confrontation that followed the Padres’ elimination from postseason contention on October 2, when the Cubs clinched a 3-1 victory.
The incident in question occurred following the final out of Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field, which resulted in a 3-1 defeat for the Padres and a quick exit from the playoffs. The final moments of the game were filled with tension and frustration, with both Iglesias and Bogaerts visibly upset over a controversial call by home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn during the ninth inning.
The Controversial Call
The drama began with Xander Bogaerts at the plate in the top of the ninth inning, when he faced a crucial strikeout call on a pitch from Cubs’ pitcher Adbert Alzolay. On a pitch that appeared to be well below the strike zone, Reyburn called it a strike, which led to immediate frustration from Bogaerts. The call was critical, as it was the first out of the ninth inning with the Padres trailing 3-1 and with two men on base. Bogaerts, who had been a consistent force for San Diego during the regular season, immediately voiced his displeasure, questioning the call.
Manager Mike Shildt quickly intervened, running onto the field to engage in a brief but intense conversation with Reyburn in defense of his player. Shildt’s effort to calm things down was unsuccessful, as Bogaerts continued to argue the call. The situation escalated, with Reyburn and Bogaerts exchanging words as the game concluded. The Padres still had two runners in scoring position at the time, and the call ultimately ended any hopes for a comeback.
Post-Game Confrontation
After the final out, as the Cubs celebrated their victory and the Padres were left dejected, the confrontation was far from over. The umpires had to walk down the steps of the visitor’s dugout to leave the field, and it was then that Reyburn appeared to engage in a verbal exchange with both Bogaerts and Iglesias, who were still fuming about the game’s outcome. The exchange quickly grew heated, though it was unclear who initiated the argument. The confrontation was caught on camera, and footage quickly spread across social media, sparking debates among fans and analysts about the fairness of the umpire’s call and the conduct of the players involved.
Bogaerts, visibly upset, later spoke to the media about the call that started the heated exchange, calling it a “game-changer.” He admitted that although discussing it wouldn’t change the result, the nature of the call left him frustrated, especially with the stakes so high in a postseason game.
“It messed up the whole game, you know?” Bogaerts said in his post-game interview. “I mean, we can’t go back in time, and talking about it now won’t change anything. It was bad, and thank god for ABS next year, because it’s just terrible.”
Bogaerts was referring to MLB’s decision to implement an Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system next season, which will use technology to eliminate controversial calls like the one that sparked the altercation. While Bogaerts is hopeful for the change, the controversy still stung for the Padres, who saw their postseason hopes dashed in part due to a contentious call.
The Suspension and Fines
In response to the incident, MLB handed out disciplinary measures, with José Iglesias receiving a one-game suspension for his conduct during the altercation. Iglesias, who had been visibly agitated during the exchange with the umpires, will miss the first game of the next season, as his suspension will carry over into the 2026 campaign. Iglesias, who is eligible to become a free agent this fall, could still appeal the suspension. If he does, the discipline would be put on hold until the appeals process is completed.
In addition to Iglesias’ suspension, Xander Bogaerts was fined an undisclosed amount for his involvement in the argument. Although he was not suspended, the fine served as a reminder from MLB of the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect toward the umpires, especially in such high-pressure situations.
Padres’ Season Ends in Frustration
The Padres’ elimination from the postseason was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after their strong performance throughout the regular season. With a 90-72 record, the Padres had once again made the playoffs for the fourth time in six seasons, but for the first time in that stretch, they failed to win a postseason series.
Despite the strong individual performances of players like Bogaerts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Juan Soto, the Padres were unable to string together enough wins to advance past the Wild Card round. The series against the Cubs was a hard-fought battle, with each game being tightly contested. However, the Cubs ultimately proved to be the better team, securing a victory in Game 3 to send the Padres home.
Manager Mike Shildt, who took over as head coach earlier in the year, will have plenty to reflect on in the offseason as he looks to retool his roster for another run in 2026. While the Padres have a talented roster, their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and avoid critical mistakes in close games proved to be their downfall.
Looking Forward: The Offseason and the Future of Iglesias
The Padres’ offseason is expected to be one of major reflection and potential moves. José Iglesias’ suspension and possible free agency raise questions about his future with the team. Iglesias, who provided solid defense and veteran leadership throughout the season, could be a valuable addition to another team if he decides to move on. For now, the Padres will focus on rebuilding and refining their roster to compete for a playoff spot once again next year.
Xander Bogaerts, meanwhile, remains a cornerstone of the Padres’ infield, and his leadership will be critical as the team looks to bounce back from their early postseason exit. Bogaerts’ frustration with the umpires, while understandable, will need to be put aside as the team moves forward and refocuses on building a stronger postseason-caliber squad.
Conclusion
The Padres’ Wild Card Series loss to the Cubs was a tough end to what had been a promising season. The heated exchange between the Padres’ players and the umpiring crew added an extra layer of frustration to an already painful elimination. However, with new technology like the Automated Ball-Strike system coming in 2026 and the potential for roster changes in the offseason, the Padres will be looking to come back stronger next year and finally get over the hump in the postseason.
As for Iglesias, his suspension serves as a reminder of the need for composure even in the most trying moments. The Padres will hope that the team can channel their emotions into productive play in 2026 and that incidents like this one won’t mar their future postseason aspirations.
