Braves Sign Closer Raisel Iglesias to Urgent $16M Deal

UPDATE: The Atlanta Braves have officially retained veteran closer Raisel Iglesias on a one-year, $16 million deal, solidifying their bullpen for the upcoming season. The announcement was made Wednesday, marking a critical move for the team as they prepare for the 2025 MLB season.

Iglesias, who turns 35 this season, entered free agency after a challenging year where his ERA climbed to 3.21, a significant increase from his impressive 1.95 ERA in 2024. Despite this setback, he boasts a strong track record with the Braves, accumulating 97 saves and maintaining a solid 2.35 ERA over four seasons.

The 2025 season saw a notable shift in Iglesias’s pitching strategy, with a reduced reliance on his slider and changeup, which fell from 52% of his pitches in 2024 to just 38%. This change resulted in a stark decline in effectiveness, as evidenced by Baseball Savant’s run value metrics, which dropped from a positive +13 runs in 2024 to a troubling -10 runs in 2025.

Since becoming a full-time closer in 2017, Iglesias ranks third among all relievers in WAR (11.8) and second in saves (247), trailing only Kenley Jansen. His early career was spent with the Cincinnati Reds, who signed him as an international free agent in 2014. After a successful stint, Iglesias departed for the Los Angeles Angels in a lucrative deal worth $58 million over four years, even finishing 11th in AL Cy Young Award voting during his tenure there.

The Braves’ decision to bring back Iglesias is pivotal as they aim to enhance their pitching depth ahead of a competitive season. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the team prepares for the 2025 season, and the impact of Iglesias’s return could be significant.

As the Braves finalize their roster, all eyes will be on how Iglesias adjusts his pitching strategy and performance in the upcoming season. This deal is not only a financial commitment but also a strategic move to bolster the team’s chances of success. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.