Braves reportedly outbid Dodgers, Mets for $16M Reliever of the Year with 253 career saves

The Atlanta Braves had some key decisions to make this offseason, and GM Alex Anthopoulos seemed to make the right calls for the most part. One option was re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias, who had a challenging 2025 season. He was inconsistent at times, but his strong finish made him hard to let go.

“When Atlanta didn’t trade Raisel Iglesias this season, some fans wondered if this was a sign the closer would stick around beyond this year. Well, he could have been traded and still re-signed this offseason. But now, he could just be re-signed,” Braves insider Mark Bowman wrote.

The Braves ultimately signed Iglesias to a one-year deal, marking his fourth year in Atlanta. He returns with a chance to prove that last year’s struggles were just a fluke.

“The Braves have addressed one of their offseason priorities by re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million contract. Atlanta announced the deal Wednesday. Iglesias, a 35-year-old right-hander, had completed a four-year, $58 million contract that paid him $16 million in each of the past three seasons,” ESPN wrote.

Iglesias was a big name in this offseason cycle, but in the end, his love for Atlanta prevailed. He received offers from other playoff contenders but waited for the Braves to make an offer.

“Raisel Iglesias looked around, but his heart always remained in Atlanta. Iglesias, 36, was a free agent this past winter. The veteran reliever entertained offers from other contenders, but his first choice was rejoining the Braves. He never wavered: From the start of the process, and throughout his time considering alternatives, the conversation always circled back to the Braves,” AJC’s Gabriel Burns wrote.

The Braves are set to be a stronger team with Iglesias back, and they used his desire to remain in Atlanta to their advantage. Iglesias was pleased with the Braves’ offer compared to others, so it worked out in the end.

Now, it will be up to Iglesias to have a strong start and support his team, especially after injuries have already occurred this Spring Training. He will look to return to the dominant form that Atlanta traded for years ago.

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