The Atlanta Braves have a short list of veterans the organization is expected to deal over the next week of the season. Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias headlining Atlanta's tradeable assets. Neither player is expected to garner much in return, with both players choosing inopportune times to put together the worst seasons of their respective careers. Still, the accomplishments of Iglesias are garnering respect, with MLB Trade Rumors listing the veteran among the best possible rental options. This respect is due to past accomplishments and the belief that Iglesias could turn the season around with a change of scenery.
Atlanta's bullpen remains in shambles, and it isn't as if trading the closer is changing this greatly. If anything, it gives the team the chance to try out other high-leverage options. While this has already been done at times, the Braves have kept coming back to the struggling closer. Iglesias has consistently cost the franchise games and won't be considered a big loss when dealt. Even if the Braves were still in contention, it is fair to wonder if the team would explore trading the closer. It is impossible to rely on the pitcher who shows up in a different version of himself each inning pitched.
Braves Closer Raisel Iglesias Listed Among Top Rental Options
What level of production you're going to get from Iglesias is a consistent mystery. One that has tanked his potential trade value despite the respect in these rankings. No real contender is going to spend top dollar on a rental who is in the middle of the worst season of his career. Since. Iglesias has established himself as a late-inning option, but this is far and away the worst production he has offered. This has cost the Braves games and has left the team without a consistent answer in the final frame.
Iglesias isn't the only former Atlanta closer featured in the rankings, with Kenley Jansen expected to be on the move as well. The former Brave landed with the Los Angeles Angels, who are far out of postseason contention. It would be a surprise not to see the aging veteran find a landing spot with a contender as well.
For Iglesias, a new landing spot would likely be welcomed with how things are ending in Atlanta. It is time for both sides to turn the page and hope for better results. It will be interesting to see what return the Braves will manage to get for the struggling reliever.