Braves Secure Raisel Iglesias on Urgent $16M One-Year Deal

UPDATE: The Atlanta Braves have just announced the retention of veteran closer Raisel Iglesias on a one-year, $16 million deal. This urgent move comes as Iglesias, 35, aims to bounce back after a challenging season in 2025, where his ERA rose to 3.21, following an impressive 1.95 ERA in 2024.

The Braves confirmed the news on Wednesday, underscoring their commitment to keeping Iglesias, who has amassed a remarkable 97 saves over four seasons with the team. His record includes 15 wins and a stellar 2.35 ERA, making him a pivotal player in their bullpen.

In 2025, Iglesias faced significant challenges, particularly with a notable shift in his pitching strategy. His reliance on his slider and changeup dropped from 52% in 2024 to 38%, impacting his effectiveness. This change contributed to a dramatic shift in his performance, with run values for those pitches plummeting from +13 runs in 2024 to a staggering -10 runs in 2025, according to Baseball Savant.

Since becoming a full-time closer in 2017, Iglesias ranks third in MLB reliever WAR at 11.8, trailing only Edwin Diaz and Josh Hader. He is also second in saves with 247, just behind Kenley Jansen.

Iglesias began his professional career with the Cincinnati Reds, who signed him as an international free agent in June 2014. He debuted in the majors in 2015 and quickly established himself as a top closer before moving to the Los Angeles Angels in 2021 on a lucrative four-year, $58 million contract. He even finished 11th in AL Cy Young Award voting that year. The Angels later traded him to the Braves during the 2022 trade deadline.

This latest development signals the Braves’ intent to bolster their bullpen as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Iglesias adjusts his pitching strategy and whether he can reclaim his previous form.

As the Braves gear up for the 2026 season, the focus will remain on Iglesias as he aims to make a significant impact once again. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.