UPDATE: The Atlanta Braves have officially retained veteran closer Raisel Iglesias on a one-year, $16 million contract, announced on Wednesday. This urgent move comes as the Braves aim to solidify their bullpen after Iglesias experienced a challenging season in 2025, where his ERA climbed to 3.21 compared to an impressive 1.95 ERA in 2024.
Iglesias, now 35, has been a crucial part of the Braves’ success over the past four years, amassing 97 saves and maintaining a remarkable 2.35 ERA during his tenure. His performance dipped in 2025 partly due to a strategic shift, as he decreased his reliance on his slider and changeup, which dropped from 52% of his pitches in 2024 to just 38% in 2025. This adjustment reflected a decline in effectiveness, with run values plummeting from +13 runs in 2024 to -10 runs in 2025, according to data from Baseball Savant.
Since becoming a full-time closer in 2017, Iglesias ranks third in MLB reliever WAR with 11.8, trailing only Edwin Diaz and Josh Hader, and holds second place in saves with 247, just behind Kenley Jansen. Before joining the Braves, Iglesias made a name for himself with the Cincinnati Reds, who signed him as an international free agent in June 2014. He debuted in 2015 and later signed a lucrative four-year, $58 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021. His journey with the Angels included a trade to the Braves at the 2022 deadline, where he quickly established himself as a key closer.
With this deal, the Braves are poised for a stronger bullpen heading into the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching Iglesias’s performance as the new season approaches. Will he return to form? Only time will tell as the Braves prepare for another competitive year.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!
