If there has been one consistent negative force in the Atlanta Braves' bullpen, it is former closer Raisel Iglesias. The veteran has been a ghost of the player he once was, watching his ERA skyrocket up to 6.48 with the team still continuing to put the right-hander on the mound in high-leverage situations. It is only recently that manager Brian Snitker put the closer role into question after weeks of watching Iglesias fumble away winnable games. It is odd considering the team was willing to part ways with Scott Blewett and Craig Kimbrel after one poor outing.
While neither of these players has the ceiling of Iglesias, it shows an acceptance of losing when a player is paid at a high enough rate. This hasn't been who Atlanta has been as an organization in recent history. Accepting losing and failing players isn't something that a high standard was allowed to accept. Iglesias isn't tanking his value on purpose with the veteran set to hit free agency at the end of the year. No one wants to turn the season around more than the veteran himself. However, this doesn't excuse failure and points to what is wrong with this roster.
Braves Continue to Lose Trust in Former Closer Raisel Iglesias
Starting when the team replaced Dansby Swanson with Orlando Arcia, the team has grown increasingly cheap. It was far easier to continue to take this approach after the team struggled in 2024, with the front office having the advantage of blaming injuries. The lack of upgrades instantly cost Atlanta, and continues to watch the team struggle a step below mediocrity.
All of this adds up to a bullpen that didn't have the depth to survive Iglesias imploding. The closer was supposed to be the force that stabilized the rest of what is a truly questionable unit. The Braves choosing not to spend on the bullpen left no other options other than to continue to use the same arm and hope for a change.
Even this is questionable, with the team not having the same patience for options with a smaller paycheck. Regardless, it continues to be an incredible source of frustration for Atlanta fans hoping for a turnaround.
There is a bit of hope in the veteran's recent appearance, with it being the first time in a month the inning was scoreless, and Iglesias looked like the dominating pitcher he once was. Still, there is no excuse for the 2025 season and the dumpster fire it has been for the demoted Atlanta closer.