Raisel Iglesias 2024 Player Outlook: Stalwart Reliever Locked Into Favorable Situation
3 months agoAcquired in a 2022 deal from the Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias pitched to a dynamic 0.34 ERA in 28 appearances following the trade deadline while almost exclusively working behind Kenley Jansen. Jansen left the team in free agency for the Boston Red Sox during the ensuing offseason to free up the ninth-inning role for Iglesias, but a strained right shoulder would delay his season debut as Atlanta's stopper for over a month. The 34-year-old resumed his stalwart ways upon returning, immediately retaking control of the job from southpaw A.J. Minter and picking up a save in his first showing, but 2023 didn't come without early adversity for Iglesias. Despite collecting 11 saves, the Cuban right-hander struggled to a 4.79 ERA over his first 20 2/3 innings of the year. Iglesias recovered during the second half as one of the most effective relief pitchers in baseball, however, notching 22 more saves with a 1.54 ERA (2.80 FIP) and 42:9 K:BB in 35 frames to close out a strong campaign overall. None of Iglesias' advanced statistics indicate that he overachieved or underachieved in any particular area, and the Braves did nothing in the offseason to significantly threaten his stay atop the bullpen depth chart. Functioning from a juggernaut of an offense and a club that supplied the fourth-most save chances (78) last season, Iglesias deserves to be one of the first 10 relievers off draft boards and a consistent top-100 pick while locked into one of fantasy's most favorable environments for a closer in 2024.