Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter recently suggested Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias could be one of the best “buy low” trade targets of the year.
“Raisel Iglesias was one of the best relievers in baseball in 2024, converting 34 of 38 save chances with a 1.95 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 2.9 WAR over 66 appearances in his third season with the Atlanta Braves,” Reuter wrote. “That All-Star nod won’t be coming this year, as he has struggled to the point of losing his hold on the ninth-inning job in favor of more of a committee approach.
“However, his track record still makes him an appealing buy-low candidate. The 35-year-old is still generating a strong 36.5 percent whiff rate with his signature changeup and is averaging 94.5 mph with his fastball. The stuff is there for him to be a useful bullpen addition to a contender.”
While Reuter didn’t link him to any team specifically, the Cincinnati Reds could emerge as a dark horse to acquire him.
Iglesias spent the first six years of his big league career with the Reds, registering 106 saves with a 3.15 ERA in that time.
Now, with Iglesias on an expiring contract, the Reds could look to bring him back to the Queen City in a bit of a set-up role for Emilio Pagan.
This idea comes after a few inconsistent games from the Reds’ bullpen over the last two weeks. While there’s a lot of talent, there are also a lot of growing pains. Adding a veteran like Iglesias would take a lot of the pressure off the younger guys.
It would also take a lot of pressure off Iglesias, as he wouldn’t be stuck in the closing role like he is in Atlanta.
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