January 28, 2026

Relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias inked a one-year extension worth $16 million to remain in Atlanta for the 2026 season. In 2025, Iglesias took a step back from his typical production, posting a modest 3.21 ERA (compared to the 1.95 in 2024) but maintaining an elite WHIP of 1.00. He tallied 29 saves and struck out 73 hitters across 67 1/3 innings. In 2023 and 2024, Iglesias tallied at least 30 saves in both campaigns and held an overall 2.30 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP. After struggling through the first half with a 4.46 ERA, Iglesias rounded back into form after the All-Star break, posting an elite 1.76 ERA with a 0.75 WHIP over his last 30 2/3 innings of work. After relying on his changeup more often the previous two seasons, the 36-year-old opted to lean on his four-seamer in 2025, which generated a strong .244 xwOBA. This slight modification raised the whiff rate of his changeup, generating a promising 41.0% whiff rate, up from the 32.6% the year prior. Despite the promising conclusion to the season, Iglesias faces stiff competition in the Atlanta bullpen following the signing of Robert Suarez. While reports suggest that Iglesias will remain the primary option, Suarez has tallied at least 36 saves in back-to-back seasons with the Padres and is more than capable of seeing save opportunities. If the veteran were to stumble early on in the campaign, Suarez could carve into his save total. While Iglesias is still a safe bet for 25+ saves (ATC projects 28), managers expecting him to return to his 30+ save profile should temper expectations. He is viable high-end RP2, going off as the No. 12 RP in NFBC drafts at pick 105.6.--Andy Smith