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Atlanta Braves 2018 Trade Deadline Targets

By Kit Anderson

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 01: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles is congratulated after scoring against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the ninth inning on May 1, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Manny Machado
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 01: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles is congratulated after scoring against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the ninth inning on May 1, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Manny Machado /
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CINCINNATI, OH – APRIL 23: Raisel Iglesias #26 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the ninth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ball Park on April 23, 2018, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds won 10-4. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – APRIL 23: Raisel Iglesias #26 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the ninth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ball Park on April 23, 2018, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds won 10-4. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Another Reliever Pulling the Braves Closer to Contention 

Remeber the Opening Day’s eve deal sending Craig  Kimbrel packing? Apoligies for the painful reminder, but it perfectly illustrates a point.

Cellar dwelling teams have no need for good closers. It is a waste of time and resources to spend money on a closer who could be turned into a prospect. It was the truth with Craig Kimbrel no matter how painful, and it applies to Raisel Iglesias.

Kimbrel pitches on another level than Iglesias and is head and shoulders better. Their similar situations are where the similarities begin and end.

Iglesias has converted 37 of his 42 save chances so far in his career. He is a strikeout artist and keeps a low ERA, despite poor defense and a hitter-friendly home ballpark.

The Reds are very obviously the worst team in baseball right now and all but mailing it in. Selling is their only option and Iglesias is likely to be their most expendable piece.

If they are willing to move the closer, the Braves should go all in on trading for the dynamic reliever. As we covered already, the back-end of the Braves bullpen needs help and with this one trade, the problem would be fixed.

The only potential problem in such a deal is the fact many other teams will be calling the Reds for the same reason. If a bidding war erupts, as is likely, how much should the Braves pay for a good closer?

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