Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The Atlanta Braves made a significant move this offseason by securing their closer, Raisel Iglesias. The team confirmed on Wednesday that Iglesias has signed a one-year contract valued at $16 million. Iglesias, 35, recently completed a four-year contract with the Braves that also earned him $16 million annually. Securing a dependable closer was paramount, and Iglesias was the preferred choice.
Iglesias experienced a minor dip in performance during the 2025 season compared to 2024. His earned run average (ERA) ascended to 3.21 after a stellar 1.95 ERA the previous year. Despite struggling in the first half, where he recorded a 4.42 ERA over 39 games, Iglesias rebounded impressively in the latter part of the season. From July 28, he flawlessly converted 18 save chances, culminating the season with 29 saves out of 34 attempts. This accomplishment was the longest unblemished streak in Major League Baseball for 2025.
A notable adjustment in Iglesias' approach during 2025 was his decreased dependence on his slider and changeup. In 2024, these pitches constituted 52% of his usage, whereas in 2025, it was reduced to 38%. Their overall effectiveness diminished, revealing a combined negative run value. Nevertheless, Iglesias maintains his status as one of MLB’s elite closers. Since being established as a full-time closer in 2017, he stands third in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) among relievers with 11.8, trailing only Edwin Diaz and Josh Hader. Additionally, he ranks second in saves during this timeframe, totaling 247, only behind Kenley Jansen.
Alongside retaining Iglesias, the Braves bolstered their infield by trading for Mauricio Dubon from the Houston Astros in exchange for Nick Allen. Dubon, a 31-year-old two-time Gold Glove award winner, is renowned for his defensive prowess as a utility infielder. Last season, he featured in 133 games for the Astros, hitting .241 and securing his second Gold Glove award, having won his first in 2023.
Dubon earned a salary of $5 million in 2025 and is eligible for arbitration. Post the 2026 World Series, he will have the opportunity to enter free agency. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos emphasized Dubon’s versatility, affirming he can play multiple infield positions as well as the outfield. His specific role will rely on the team’s further offseason maneuvers, including the potential pursuit of a shortstop. Anthopoulos referred to Dubon as “a valuable piece” adding flexibility to the squad.
Nick Allen, who was traded to Houston, is 27 years old and qualifies for arbitration for the first time, with the potential to become a free agent by the 2029 season.
Raisel Iglesias commenced his professional journey with the Cincinnati Reds, who signed him as an international free agent from Cuba in 2014. He made his professional debut in 2015, quickly rising as a standout closer for the Reds. In 2021, Iglesias signed a four-year, $58 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, finishing 11th in the American League Cy Young Award voting. He was traded to Atlanta during the 2022 trade deadline. Over four seasons with the Braves, Iglesias has recorded 97 saves, a 15-12 win-loss record, and a 2.35 ERA.
By retaining Iglesias and acquiring Dubon, the Braves have effectively addressed critical offseason objectives. Iglesias ensures reliability at the closer position while Dubon enhances the team's defensive robustness and adaptability. The Atlanta Braves are now better equipped for the competitive landscape of the 2026 MLB season with a more versatile and experienced lineup.
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