The Atlanta Braves certainly aren't afraid to let guys walk if they get too expensive, but the organization also has a strong track record of at least trying to lock core guys up. The team-friendly extensions given to Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna Jr. get the most attention, but Atlanta has also handed out deals to Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Spencer Strider, Sean Murphy, and Michael Harris II as well.
One area of the roster where the Braves currently don't have a long-term plan in place is the bullpen and specifically at closer. Raisel Iglesias has the job for now and he is coming off a great 2024 season, but he is also a free agent after the 2025 season with little to no discussion of keeping him long-term.
With Iglesias off to a great start to spring training this season, it is fair to wonder if the Braves will try to keep Iglesias beyond 2025 and what their plans are going forward if they don't.
Raisel Iglesias, 3Ks in the 9th. pic.twitter.com/AseouUe9KX
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 7, 2024
Raisel Iglesias has been great, but lining up on an extension with the Braves will be anything but easy
Here is what we know right now. Iglesias is making $16 million this season and given that he has been one of the better and more consistent relievers in baseball for years now. Atlanta obviously would probably prefer to keep him around given that they don't really have a ready-made replacement for him in the highest leverage situations especially with Joe Jimenez out.
From Iglesias' side, he has been extremely successful and given he has started this spring with two dominant scoreless appearances, it feels as though he is going to have another strong season in his walk year barring a disaster. He will almost certainly be looking to at least match the AAV on his current deal on a new multi-year contract and probably will ask for even more.
As for the Braves, the AAV isn't as big of a problem as the years. Atlanta has some financial wiggle room, but not a ton especially if Chris Sale's option gets exercised and the team brings Marcell Ozuna back. With Iglesias being 35 years old, the Braves probably aren't going to willing to go too long on an Iglesias deal unless it is a deal that has multiple team options in it.
Both sides could stand to benefit from a new contract, but there is some concern as to whether or not it will actually happen. Iglesias could end up commanding a longer-term deal at both an AAV and length that could exceed the Braves' comfort zone. If that happens, Atlanta may need to formulate a new plan for their bullpen in a hurry and it wouldn't be all that shocking if Iglesias found himself available on the trade market at this year's deadline.
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