Braves Re-Sign Raisel Iglesias to One-Year Deal

The Atlanta Braves have made a significant move by re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year contract valued at $16 million. This deal marks Iglesias' return for a fifth season with the team and aligns his salary with what he earned in 2025. According to MLB Trade Rumors, this signing was somewhat unexpected, as Braves President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos had previously indicated that the focus was on other areas such as shortstop and starting rotation improvement, leaving the bullpen seemingly on the back burner. However, the opportunity to retain Iglesias, a high-end reliever entering his age-36 season, proved too valuable to pass up. Iglesias has a solid track record, boasting a 2.35 ERA over 218 and two-thirds innings since joining the Braves from the Angels at the 2022 trade deadline and ranking fourth in MLB with 113 saves during that span.

Despite early-season struggles in 2025, where he faced challenges with home runs and posted a 5.91 ERA in the first two months of the season, Iglesias rebounded to become one of the league's best late-game arms. From June onward, he posted a remarkable 1.96 ERA across 46 innings, demonstrating significant improvement and showcasing his ability to strike out nearly 30% of opposing batters while limiting home runs significantly. His overall 2025 performance included a 3.21 ERA with 29 saves in 34 chances, just missing his sixth career season with 30 or more saves, as highlighted by CBS Sports.

The Braves' bullpen, which now includes Iglesias alongside returning reliever Joe Jimenez and Aaron Bummer, still requires additional reinforcement. The team parted ways with right-handed setup options Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley, indicating the need for another reliable arm in the late innings. As reported by CBS Sports, Iglesias’ consistency and experience make him a key figure in the Braves' efforts to maintain a competitive roster heading into the upcoming season. The Braves currently have 13 players on guaranteed contracts totaling approximately $192.5 million, with expectations that they will need to exceed last season's payroll of around $208 million to adequately address remaining needs in the rotation and shortstop position.

This strategic move not only reinforces the Braves' bullpen but also underlines their commitment to fielding a competitive team as they prepare for the 2026 season. The decision to re-sign Iglesias, especially when other teams such as the Dodgers showed interest, reflects the Braves' desire for continuity and stability in their pitching staff as they aim for another successful campaign. As the offseason progresses, the Braves will continue to address their roster needs while maintaining the strengths of their bullpen, with Iglesias at the forefront as their closer.