Blue Jays Pursue Free Agent Closer Raisel Iglesias Amid Roster Changes

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly pursuing free agent closer Raisel Iglesias as they navigate significant roster changes ahead of the upcoming MLB season. According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Blue Jays are among several teams showing interest in Iglesias, a notable veteran in the relief market.

With Toronto seeking a reliable late-game option, Iglesias fits the bill due to his proven track record as a closer. The 36-year-old right-hander had a 3.21 ERA over 67 and a third innings pitched for the Atlanta Braves last season, converting 29 of 34 save opportunities.

Despite a rocky start to the season, where he allowed seven home runs before June and carried a near 6.00 ERA, Iglesias rebounded to post a stellar 1.96 ERA with a 29.3% strikeout rate in the final four months of the season.

His ability to limit walks to just 6% and generate swinging strikes nearly 15% of the time showcases his elite pitching capabilities, even as he heads into the twilight of his career. The Blue Jays' general manager Ross Atkins has indicated that they are not committed to Jeff Hoffman as their primary closer moving forward.

Signing Iglesias would allow Hoffman to transition into a multi-inning leverage role, a change that could enhance the overall strength of the bullpen. Iglesias' home run propensity remains a concern, although it is not as pronounced as Hoffman's, who allowed the second-most home runs among MLB relievers last season.

Reports suggest that Iglesias could command an eight-figure annual salary, with predictions estimating a two-year contract at around $13 million per year, especially if he seeks a one-year guarantee similar to his current contract with the Braves, which stands at $16 million.

However, the Blue Jays are not the only team interested; the Los Angeles Dodgers have also been connected to Iglesias, making the competition for his services potentially fierce. The Braves, while retaining interest, are focusing on other areas of their roster, particularly shortstop and starting pitching, which may delay their pursuit of Iglesias.

As the Blue Jays continue to reshape their roster, their interest in Iglesias symbolizes a strategic effort to bolster a bullpen that had its share of struggles last season. Additionally, the Blue Jays recently made a move by outrighting right-handed reliever Nick Sandlin off their 40-man roster, effectively an early non-tender that reflects their roster adjustments as they gear up for the offseason.

This decision follows a season where Sandlin faced injury challenges and inconsistencies, leading Toronto to prioritize other options in their relief corps. With these developments, the Blue Jays are clearly positioning themselves for a more competitive 2024 season, and the pursuit of Iglesias illustrates their commitment to enhancing their pitching depth, particularly in high-leverage situations.