It's not necessarily a shock, but it's still big.

Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias posted an emotional farewell to the Detroit fans on his Instagram account Wednesday, seemingly eliminating any chance of the ballclub bringing him back for one more year as it continues its rebuild.

Iglesias, 28, is set to become a free agent after the World Series, and will be seeking a raise from the $6.275 million he made in 2018. Tigers general manager Al Avila didn't immediately return a request for comment.

The Tigers are scheduled to meet within the next week in Lakeland, Fla., to discuss the organization's blueprint for 2019 and beyond.

"Thank you Tigers fans for all of the support you have shown me and my family over the past 6 years. I will miss u! I am grateful to the Tigers organization for the opportunity to play the game I love," Iglesias wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of him giving a thumbs-up to the fans. "I have had the privilege of taking the field with incredible teammates that have helped me grow as both a player and a person.

"Earlier this year I was able to fulfill my dream of becoming a US Citizen, and I did so while wearing my Tigers uniform proudly. This is just one of many fond memories I will carry with me. My time in Detroit has been very special. Thank you all.#Thank you"

Iglesias was acquired by the Tigers from the Boston Red Sox in a three-team trade in July 2013, as Detroit was gearing up for the stretch run without suspended shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

Iglesias homered in his second game with the Tigers, and quickly endeared himself to the fan base for his steady stream of highlight-reel plays on defense.

It wasn't all smooth sailing in Detroit for Iglesias, though. His bat never was a strength, and he often was criticized by some on staff for his flashy style of play, particularly on routine plays. He also got into dugout scuffle with James McCann in 2015. He also battled a variety of nagging injuries.

Iglesias had been on the trade block for the past few years, but generated little interest, mostly because of the bat. In Detroit, he hit .268/.312/.364 with 19 home runs and 167 RBIs in 558 games.

The good news for Iglesias, he joins a weak free-agent pool of shortstops, which could bump up the interest in the 5-foot-11, 194=pounder from Cuba.

As for the Tigers, Ronny Rodriguez, Pete Kozma, Niko Goodrum and Harold Castro also played shortstop for them in 2018. Willi Castro, acquired from the Indians in the July trade for Leonys Martin, is the highest-ranked Tigers shortstop prospect, just ahead of Isaac Parades, acquired from the Cubs in the Justin Wilson-Alex Avila deal in 2017. Segio Alcantara is another name to watch. Dixon Machado remains in the system, too.

tpaul@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @tonypaul1984