One of the most frustrating parts of the Atlanta Braves' first-half 2025 struggles was the implosion of once-reliable closer Raisel Iglesias. The only thing the veteran could be relied on to do in the first three months of the season was give up hard contact. It was impossible to trust the reliever, and this was far from ideal based on Atlanta's offseason decisions. The Braves opted not to spend on the pen and lost one of their most reliable options before the season had even begun. With this in mind, it seemed Iglesias was on his way out of Atlanta.
However, the reliever's struggles were bad enough that the potential trade market didn't offer the Braves front office anything of future value. Atlanta opted to stick with both Iglesias and Marcell Ozuna who are set to become free agents at the end of the season. For Iglesias, what once seemed an easy answer is suddenly becoming a bit murky.
The Braves' re-signing the veteran a month ago was a laughable idea. Now, there is real reason to wonder if Iglesias' return could prove to be a bargain based on the veteran's recent hot streak. The once reliable reliever is once again dominating and giving Atlanta easy wins if the Braves have a lead in the final frame.
Atlanta Must Consider Re-signing Braves Closer Raisel Iglesias
This isn't intended to argue that the Braves should sign the veteran and have him locked into the closer role. Rather, for a bullpen that is already dealing with some major challenges, bringing back one of the pieces that is currently dominating makes sense. Considering the struggles Iglesias endured early in the season, a potential bargain deal could likely be struck.
Reasons behind the change of heart in a potential re-signing are simple. In the month of August, the reliever is yet to give up a single run, nailing down each of his 6 save opportunities. Suddenly, the veteran has refound his form and is reminding Atlanta fans of what he can bring when the reliever is at his best. It has been a slow improvement as well, with the numbers trending in the right direction since the end of May.
In the three months since, there has been steady improvement before Iglesias became dominant throughout August. It is exciting enough to earn the attention of Braves fans and leave the obvious question of the reliever's future. Perhaps re-signing the veteran is still a possibility if the dominance continues through the end of the season.