Atlanta needs to trade away Raisel Iglesias
Okay, okay...there are going to be folks that are going to be mad about this one and frankly, it is understandable. The Braves are right in the middle of their competitive window and trading away their closer may seem strange on the surface. However, given the Braves' luxury tax situation, the depth of their farm system, as well as the state of their bullpen, Atlanta needs to at least consider moving Raisel Iglesias.
Over the next two seasons, Iglesias is set to make $16 million a year. Given that he was lights out after the Braves acquired him at the trade deadline in 2022 and that he posted a 2.75 ERA in 58 appearances last season, he is more than worth paying that much. However, Alex Anthopoulos greatly prefers to have some money at his disposal to make moves during the season (especially at the trade deadline) and it is hard to see that being the case in 2024 unless they shed some payroll.
On top of that, the Braves bullpen is loaded going into 2024 with AJ Minter, Joe Jimenez, Aaron Bummer, Daysbel Hernandez, Pierce Johnson, and Reynaldo Lopez (maybe) in tow as well as Tyler Matzek and possibly Huascar Ynoa returning from injury. That is a crowded bullpen as things stand now and moving Iglesias isn't likely to hurt the Braves' 2024 prospects much. Additionally, a guy like Iglesias with the track record and team control he has would fetch a nice return in a trade which would help the Braves restock their minor league system which needs an infusion of talent.
Is moving Iglesias altogether likely? Maybe not. However, if Josh Hader's market becomes really competitive this offseason, the Braves would be wise to talk to the teams that end up missing out on him to see if they can work a deal that is to their advantage to move Iglesias to set themselves up for further success down the road.