A year ago at this same point in the Atlanta Braves season, it was fair to question not only the job security of Raisel Iglesias but what his future in the league might look like. An incredibly rocky start to the year aided Atlanta's 2025 collapse, and was only saved by a late impressive stretch from the closer that earned a one-year contract for the 2026 season. Iglesias has responded in epic fashion, saving 13 games thus far with a 0.87 ERA.
Elite production is being offered while striking out 24 in 20.2 innings. It is no longer a small sample size that can be shrugged off as a hot start, but an elite season that demands the Braves attempt to land an extension with the veteran closer. Robert Suarez was signed as a potential closing option with the hope being that this exact version of the closer would return, allowing Suarez to be an elite setup option.
Not only has this been the case, but incredible relief seasons from Dylan Lee and Didier Fuentes have given the Braves a level of unexpected bullpen stability. Keeping this group together should be a clear focus, and Iglesias is on an expiring deal; the Braves can easily extend, giving themselves another 2026 win and providing stability for the veteran.
Braves Must Attempt to Extend Closer Raise Iglesias Amid Elite 2026 Season
The Braves have a recent history of working on extensions in the regular season, making this far from out of bounds. For Iglesias, it is a chance to go ahead and lock up a future with one of the league's elite contenders and hold onto a closing role. It makes sense for both sides and should be actively explored over the next few weeks of the season. Iglesias has unquestionably earned a bit more future stability, and the Braves are in a position to provide just that.
When it comes to potential expense, the Braves have a handful of contracts the team could attempt to offload either during the 2026 season or in the upcoming offseason. Either way, finances shouldn't be a problem with Iglesias being a clear priority for a roster that has built its strength around an incredible bullpen.
Keeping this entire unit together for the 2027 season offers a level of stability and rewards an incredible turnaround from Iglesias. It simply makes far too much sense for both sides not to be explored in the next weeks of the season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google