Braves could target $30 million Padres All-Star to bolster bullpen

The Atlanta Braves have gotten off to a slow start in 2025. They are 16-18 to start the year after they won 89 games and secured a Wild Card spot last year.

But the National League Wild Card race is tight at the moment, and the Braves aren't too far back, so they could very well end up being buyers this year at the trade deadline.

One area that they could look to improve in is the bullpen. Closer Raisel Iglesias is struggling.

Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller listed Robert Suarez as a surprise trade candidate and noted that Atlanta could be on the hunt for a closer-type arm.

"We've already noted that Texas will almost certainly be on the hunt for a closer. Atlanta could be, too, if Raisel Iglesias continues to flounder," Miller wrote.

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Suarez was an All-Star for the first time last year with the San Diego Padres. But the 34-year-old closer can opt out of the remaining years of his contract at the end of 2025.

In that case, the Padres might be wise to shop him and see what they can get in return.

As for the Braves, they could land a top closer and bolster their chances of making a playoff run this coming fall. Iglesias owns a 4.85 ERA in 13 appearances and is 1-2 with six saves.

Meanwhile, Suarez has dominated with the Padres, having posted a 0.56 ERA in 16 appearances with 14 saves already.

We'll see where things stand at the deadline, but if Atlanta is in the race and still not getting results from Iglesias, this move could make sense.

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