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42m ago

Braves Bring Back Closer Raisel Iglesias on One-Year, $16 Million Deal for 2026

The deal reflects a short-term bullpen approach in a crowded reliever market.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 18: Raisel Iglesias #26 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Truist Park on July 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: The Atlanta Braves logo on a hat in the dugout in the first inning during game one of a doubleheader against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 24, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Atlanta announced the agreement to keep Iglesias in the ninth-inning role for 2026 on a one-year contract worth $16 million.
  • Iglesias posted 29 saves in 2025 (tied for ninth in MLB) with a 3.21 ERA, 73 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings, and an NL-leading 57 games finished.
  • His season rebounded from a 6.00 ERA over his first 28 outings to a 1.34 ERA from June 18 on, including NL Reliever of the Month honors in August and a 0.34 ERA over his final 27 appearances.
  • He reached 250 career saves in September and finished 2025 with 253, becoming one of 40 pitchers to hit the milestone since the stat was formalized.
  • The move addresses a key bullpen priority and, per the AP, allows GM Alex Anthopoulos to focus on other needs such as shortstop, with reports also noting Dodgers and Blue Jays interest at similar money.