The Atlanta Braves have successfully re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year contract worth $16 million. This agreement marks Iglesias’ fifth season with the Braves, maintaining the same salary he received in 2025. The announcement was unexpected, as team president Alex Anthopoulos had indicated a focus on other areas, particularly shortstop and starting rotation improvements, rather than the bullpen.
Raisel Iglesias: A Steady Force on the Mound
Raisel Iglesias, entering his age-36 season, continues to be a premier relief pitcher. Since joining the Braves from the Los Angeles Angels in a trade at the 2022 deadline, Iglesias has demonstrated his abilities, showcasing a solid 2.35 earned run average over 218 2/3 innings pitched. He ranks fourth in Major League Baseball with 113 saves since the start of the 2022 season.
Consistent Performance
Iglesias has maintained an impressive track record, posting a sub-3.00 ERA in each season from 2020 to 2024. However, the start of the 2025 season posed challenges for him, highlighted by an early struggle with home runs. He allowed five home runs in April and a total of seven before the end of May, resulting in a troubling 5.91 ERA during those initial months.
A Summer Turnaround
Despite the rocky beginning, Iglesias rebounded spectacularly over the summer months. He emerged as one of the league’s top late-game pitchers from June onward. In the final four months of the season, he pitched 46 innings with an exceptional 1.96 ERA, while striking out 29.3% of opposing batters. Notably, Iglesias limited home runs during this stretch, giving up just one despite a high 54.5% fly-ball rate.
Future Outlook
The Braves’ decision to retain Raisel Iglesias highlights their confidence in his abilities as a high-end reliever. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Iglesias’ experience and performance record will be crucial in their pursuit of success.
