The Atlanta Braves news cycle is slowly starting to pick up some speed as we inch closer to spring training. On Thursday, the Braves settled contracts with Jarred Kelenic and Dylan Lee to avoid arbitration. This helped answer two question marks for the roster but there are still more to fill.
While we wait for the Braves to complete their roster, let's check in on some of the latest news.
MLB Network names Raisel Iglesias one of baseball's best relievers
Braves closer Raisel Iglesias has been nothing but impressive since he was acquired from the Angels in 2022. He finished the best season of his career in 2024 at 34 years old. Iglesias ended the season with a 1.95 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 2.9 WAR, 13 BB, 68 K, and 34 saves. One of the most impressive feats of the season was his 35.1 inning scoreless streak.
Raisel Iglesias posted a career-best 1.95 ERA for the @Braves to earn his third appearance on the #Top10RightNow! pic.twitter.com/aZlzFKExxW
β MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 9, 2025
Somehow, this performance wasn't enough to land Iglesias a spot in the All-Star game. 2025 would be a special time for him to make his first ASG since it will be held in Atlanta. While being ranked 10th on MLB Network's Top 10 right now list is special, it's hard not to feel that Iggy is being underrated on the list. He had a better ERA, WHIP, opponentβs average, and ERA+ than Jeff Hoffman and Ryan Helsley who rank ahead of him. Hoffman was ranked ninth while Helsley, who led the MLB in saves (49), ranked third. Regardless of what this list says, the Braves are lucky to have one of the best relievers in baseball on their side.
Braves broadcaster Wiley Ballard named Georgia Sportscaster of the Year
Not only do the Braves succeed on the field, but also in the broadcast booth. 2024 introduced Atlanta fans to Wiley Ballard, a quirky and professional sideline reporter. He was featured on Braves LIVE a few times in 2023, but got his chance full-time last season.
Ballard is no stranger to the game as he is also the radio voice of Georgia Tech baseball. He was such a delight on the sideline and even got an opportunity to call a few Braves games on the radio with Joe Simpson.
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β FanDuel Sports Network South (@FanDuelSN_SO) April 1, 2024
Brought to you by our very own and very cold, @wileyballard_. pic.twitter.com/ofR0HrNx3C
His excellent work, alongside the entire FanDuel Sports Network team, earned him the honors of NSMA's Georgia Sportscaster of the Year. Hopefully, the Braves will bring him back for the 2025 season.
Former Brave Ehire Adrianza begins his executive career with the Twins
Ehire Adrianza won't be remembered as one of the best players in Braves history. However, his key hit in the 2021 NLCS allowed Eddie Rosario to hit a clutch three-run homer that will always be remembered. That was the only postseason hit of Adrianza's career and it helped lead the path to Atlanta's first World Series title in 22 years.
News: Former IF Ehire Adrianza is joining the Minnesota Twins front office as Assistant of Player Development.
β Daniel Γlvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) January 6, 2025
Will mainly work with the infielders in all levels of the organization. pic.twitter.com/pPkvd3pqAe
However, he is now retired from the game of baseball after a lackluster end to his career. Adrianza has moved on to the next phase of professional baseball and will work with the Minnesota Twins front office. He has been hired as the Assistant of Player Development and is expected to work primarily with infielders at all levels of the organization. Adrianza played for the Twins from 2017-2020 so it's a bit of a homecoming for the lefty. We wish him the best of luck in the next phase of his career!