For all of the Atlanta Braves' problems in the first half (and there were many), few were quite as frustrating as Raisel Iglesias' fall from grace. Through Iglesias' first 28 appearances this season, he sported a 6.00 ERA and 5.12 FIP with some notable implosions that cost Atlanta some games that looked to be well in hand. Bringing Iglesias back after the 2025 season went from a real possibility given his track record to a pipe dream in just a few months.
Baseball is a funny game, however. A guy can look completely lost for long stretches and all of a sudden look like a star again. One need only look at what Michael Harris II is doing right now as proof of that. However, Iglesias has really turned his season around as well after his dreadful start.
In fact, given his track record of excellence as well as his recent results, there is an argument for the Braves to at least explore bringing Iglesias back in the offseason.
A Braves reunion with Raisel Iglesias isn't as crazy as it would have sounded a month ago
As with everything, the exact dollars and years matters a lot here. Iglesias is 35 years old and it isn't like we didn't just see him struggle mightily for months this season. However, the argument in favor of at least exploring bringing him back has some merit.
The Braves' bullpen is in pretty desperate need of an upgrade this offseason. Sure, there are certainly some intriguing free agents that they could explore signing, but closers can be really expensive especially if they are good. With Iglesias' age, struggles, and comfort level in Atlanta, there is a decent chance that he could be had for a reasonable enough rate that it would be worth the Braves trying even if he eventually gets moved out of the closer spot.
Moreover, there is a good amount of evidence that his rough first half is an outlier and not his new reality. Since June 18, Iglesias has made 26 appearances and has been lights out once again with a 1.82 ERA and 1.98 FIP. However you look at it, his production has been elite and that could be enough to convince the Braves to give him a shot.
There are some problems with this plan. Not only is Iglesias getting older and plays a position that is notoriously volatile, but his slider remains terrible and his changeup hasn't been much better. He is currently getting a LOT of mileage out of his fastball, but it seems probable that that will fade as his velocity slows with age.
If Iglesias is looking to get paid like an elite closer, the Braves should move on as their is just too much risk there. However, if he wants to stay badly enough that he is willing to accept a contract that is more appropriate given the context of his season and where he is at in his career, coming back to Atlanta in 2026 could actually work.