The Atlanta Braves hadthe series opener against the New York Yankees in hand going into the final frame with a two run lead. Tyler Mahle made an incredibly impressive debut, and Didier Fuentes and Dylan Lee combined for two scoreless frames to set up Atlanta's closer. Iglesias took the mound and promptly gave up both runs he was tasked with protecting and loaded the bases, forcing the team to go to another arm to escape into extra innings, where they would eventually fall.
It was the second straight game in which Iglesias hasn't been missing many bats, as the veteran has given up four runs in his last 1.2 innings pitched. This is on a combined six hits and plenty of loud contact, as it has become clear that the Braves are not in a position to rely on a closer who made the All-Star Game based on being automatic for the first two months of the season.
With this in mind, the Braves should absolutely consider making a change at the position. Iglesias was brought in on a one-year deal for a reason. That was due to an inconsistent performance over the 2025 season that included an impressive finish that forced the Braves to bring back Iglesias while also adding Robert Suarez as insurance.
This makes it clear that the past two seasons have combined to show enough inconsistency to lend itself to believing that a change would be wise. If Iglesias is used in a lesser role and returns to dominance, you can revisit this question.
Braves Should Consider Making a Change at Closer After Raisel Iglesias Continues to Struggle
Atlanta is in a tight race with the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers for the top two seeds in the National League. Getting a first-round bye is unquestionably in the best interest of a rotation that is going to need as many bullets saved as possible to have a reasonable chance to make a deep October run.
With this in mind, the Braves can't afford to let games slip away even as they continue to maintain a healthy National League East lead. The wise decision is to monitor Iglesias and give other pieces opportunity, riding with the hot hand just as manager Walt Weiss has done all season with the current lineup.
No question, there isn't a downside to giving other players an opportunity to prove they are capable of handling late-inning duties. Iglesias simply cannot be relied on right now, and that has become far too glaring to ignore.
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