Raisel Iglesias Dealt To Braves

The Atlanta Braves have acquired closer Raisel Iglesias from the Los Angeles Angels, according to Robert Murray.

The Atlanta Braves are acquiring Raisel Iglesias from the Los Angeles Angels for Jesse Chavez and Tucker Davidson, according to sources familiar with the situation.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) August 2, 2022

Iglesias, 32, is in the first year of a four-year, $58 million dollar contract. He is currently 2-6 with a 4.04 ERA and 16 saves with 48 strikeouts in only 35 2/3 innings pitched. In return, the Braves are sending reliever Jesse Chavez and minor league pitcher Tucker Davidson to Los Angeles. Will Smith’s recent departure has left a hole in the Braves ‘pen. Filling this hole seems to be the main reason for this move. Iglesias could be used as a potential setup man for closer Kenley Jansen. Either that, or the team could choose to combine the two’s talents. In any case, the Braves have solidified their bullpen as being one of the best in baseball.

The Career of Raisel Iglesias

The Cincinnati Reds signed Raisel Iglesias out of Cuba mid-way through 2014. He was called to the big leagues in 2015 as a starter. This was after only playing in six minor league contests. He had the typical growing pains and was returned to the minors before 2016. Three games in, he returned to the Majors. This time, the bullpen had need of him. By 2017, he was the Reds’ full time closer. In total, he notched a 3.15 ERA and 106 saves over six seasons in Cincinnati. He became known as a top closer, though he never made the All-Star team.

Raisel Iglesias became the subject of trade talks after 2020. It was then that the Angels then dealt for him. His first season on the West Coast was just as successful as his time in Cincinnati. He posted a 2.57 ERA and 34 saves with 103 strikeouts in 70 innings. His save mark was second only to the Chicago White Sox’s Liam Hendriks for the American League lead. So, while this may not be a massive splash, it definitely shows that General Manager Alex Anthopolous has his eye on another World Series title.