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Braves Re-sign Closer Iglesias for $16 Million Deal

11/20/2025

Summary

Iglesias Re-Signs Braves

The Atlanta Braves re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million deal for 2026.
The move addresses bullpen struggles in 2025, when the Braves finished with the 12th-highest ERA.
Iglesias, 35, posted a 3.21 ERA in 2025 and a 1.25 ERA over his final 45 games.
He stayed in Atlanta despite interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.

Summary

Iglesias Returns Braves

Raisel Iglesias will return to the Atlanta Braves on a one-year, $16 million deal.
The Atlanta Braves acquired Mauricio Dubon, a two-time Gold Glove winner, from the Houston Astros for Nick Allen.
Iglesias, 35, posted a 3.21 ERA in 2025, down from 1.95 in 2024, after cutting slider and changeup use to 38%.
Since becoming a full-time closer in 2017, Iglesias ranks third in reliever WAR and second in saves.

History

Historical Context

The 2016 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Major League Baseball and the Players Association introduced significant changes, including a $50 million pre-arbitration bonus pool and increased minimum salaries. This agreement, effective until 2021, allowed teams like the Atlanta Braves to invest heavily in players, as seen with Raisel Iglesias's $16 million deal, while also highlighting ongoing challenges in roster management and competitive balance.

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Iglesias Re-Signs Braves

The Atlanta Braves re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million deal for 2026.
The move addresses bullpen struggles in 2025, when the Braves finished with the 12th-highest ERA.
Iglesias, 35, posted a 3.21 ERA in 2025 and a 1.25 ERA over his final 45 games.
He stayed in Atlanta despite interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.

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