The Atlanta Braves' bullpen is a pretty hot topic these days. Normally a strength of Braves rosters under Alex Anthopoulos, Atlanta's relief corps has looked very vulnerable in 2025 thanks to some notable departures/injuries combined with the lack of reinforcements last offseason. However, we do have an interesting storyline developing involving Raisel Iglesias and Daysbel Hernandez.
In the last year of his contract with the Braves, Iglesias is not off to a banner start to the season. While he did finally pitch well against the Dodgers over the weekend, being a supposed lock-down closer and sporting a 4.85 ERA that is giving up hard contact at an alarmingly rate is not ideal.
However, the Braves may have a replacement for Iglesias at the ready in Hernandez who not only could slot into the closer role if Iglesias leaves next offseason or even if he can't finish the season as the Braves closer.
Daysbel Hernandez could be developing into the Braves' closer of the future right in front of our eyes
While not a household name just yet, Hernandez has been with the Braves organization for a long time with his ascension to the big leagues being stalled by various injuries in the minor leagues. Being handed closing duties is a big responsibility, but there is reason to believe that Hernandez could handle the job.
He hasn't shown it much this year yet, but Hernandez has a history of missing bats both in the majors and in the minors. On top of that, he throws hard which projects well in the role, induces a lot of soft contact, and has a pair of go-to pitches that he has the confidence to throw against lefties or righties. Combine that with high leverage experience in the minors and you have a strong candidate.
Of course, this only matters if Iglesias leaves in free agency or completely craters this season. Iglesias has certainly struggled at the start of the season, but he had been so good with the Braves the last few years that it is honestly hard to predict that he just forgot how to pitch. There is a world where Hernandez moves into the role this season, but it is far more likely to be a 2026 consideration.
It is unlikely that the Braves are going to be willing to pay up to keep Iglesias next offseason especially if he shows signs of regression all season long. With Hernandez already in the fold and Joe Jimenez (in theory) returning in 2026, they may not have to bring him back at all.