Braves Bring Back Raisel Iglesias on Two-Year, $16 Million Deal
Atlanta, GA – the Atlanta Braves have re-signed right-handed closer Raisel iglesias to a two-year, $16 million contract, according to MLB Trade Rumors. The deal includes a $7 million club option for the 2027 season. Iglesias, who previously pitched for the Braves in 2022, returns to bolster a bullpen undergoing significant changes this offseason.
The re-acquisition of Iglesias addresses an immediate need for a reliable closer in Atlanta, particularly after the departures of several key bullpen arms.While the Braves have a strong core, they still face roster gaps at shortstop and in their starting rotation. This signing allows them to focus on those areas while solidifying the late innings, and keeps them under the Competitive balance tax (CBT) threshold.
Iglesias, 34, posted a 2.67 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 28 saves in 33 opportunities for the Boston Red Sox in 2024. He joins a market of several unsigned closers, including Emilio Pagan and Kenley Jansen.The Braves’ bullpen will also welcome back Joe Jimenez, returning after missing the 2025 season with a knee injury, and left-handed option Dylan Lee.
Atlanta previously lost right-handed setup men pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley earlier in the offseason, creating a need for additional right-handed relief. The team currently has 13 players under guaranteed contracts totaling $192.5 million for the upcoming season.Their arbitration class is expected to add another $4-8 million.
The Braves are projected to have a $208 million luxury tax commitment, well below the $244 million base threshold. They’ve previously paid the tax in 2023 and 2024.Re-signing shortstop ha-Seong Kim could increase payroll, but the team appears to have financial adaptability to address both their bullpen and remaining positional needs.
