It's time the Atlanta Braves admit there is a major cause for concern with closer Raisel Iglesias. The veteran stepped into a tied game on Thursday night and would leave having given up yet another two-run homer and putting the Braves in a frustrating hole. It is a familiar theme for a pitcher who has already surpassed last year's homers given up in just the first weeks of the season. Iglesias is being consistently squared up, it is time for the Braves to begin to have a conversation.
This is the final year of Raisel's deal, with the closer being an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025 season. Atlanta doesn't have to worry about anything other than attempting to find a solution the rest of the way. This isn't to say it is time to give up on the established reliever, with the team's alarming lack of options, this cannot even be considered. However, demoting Iglesias into another role is a conversation the team needs to begin having.
Raisel Iglesias Making it Hard for Braves to Trust Him
While Craig Kimbrel remains in Atlanta's system, the former closer is better suited to be a setup option at this stage of his career. It isn't as if Atlanta's bullpen or farm system is brimming with potential options to replace Iglesias. If the Braves believe this problem isn't going away anytime soon, the team should begin to look outside the organization. One potential fit could be former Atlanta closer Kenley Jansen.
The veteran reliever is currently pitching with an Angels team that Atlanta has had a well-established relationship with. The Braves should explore a trade for the veteran, as well as promoting veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel. Between this trio of options for the final innings can be crafted together with far less stress.
Iglesias remains an important part of the Atlanta pen and isn't likely to lose the closer's role just yet. However, this has been over a month of having no idea what version of the reliever is going to step on the mound. As his ERA has swollen north of five, it has become glaring that it is time for the team to begin to consider that it could be time for a change.
Raisel Iglesias had an incredible 2024 season and has been a great part of Atlanta's bullpen. With that said, this team cannot be interested in what was if they are serious about catching the Phillies and Mets in the National League East. Atlanta must be managed with an incredible sense of urgency, and this means the team must begin to evaluate what the future holds for Raisel Iglesias.