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Braves Secure Closer Raisel Iglesias with $16 Million Deal, Add Versatile Infielder Dubon
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The Atlanta Braves have solidified thier bullpen and bolstered their infield depth, announcing Wednesday the re-signing of closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million contract and the acquisition of two-time Gold Glove winner mauricio Dubon from the Houston Astros.
The Braves addressed a key offseason need by bringing back Iglesias, a 35-year-old right-hander, after he completed a previous four-year, $58 million contract. The new deal ensures stability at the back end of the bullpen for the 2026 season.
Iglesias Returns to Atlanta After Strong second Half
Iglesias’s 2025 performance saw a slight uptick in his ERA to 3.21, a rise from his stellar 1.95 ERA in 2024. Though, a significant turnaround in the latter half of the season demonstrated his resilience and closing ability. After struggling to a 4.42 ERA in the first 39 games, he finished with a remarkable 1.76 ERA and successfully converted his final 18 save opportunities after July 28 – the longest such streak in Major League Baseball to close a season.
He ultimately finished the year with 29 saves in 34 chances. “We knew we needed to address closer one way or the other and who better than somebody we know,” a senior team official stated. “He wanted to be here. His first choice was to be back in Atlanta. I’m glad we were able to get it done.”
A notable shift in Iglesias’s pitching approach in 2025 involved a decreased reliance on his slider and changeup,dropping from 52% of pitches thrown in 2024 to 38% in 2025. Data from Baseball Savant indicates these pitches were less effective,moving from a combined plus-13 run value in 2024 to minus-10 runs in 2025.
Since becoming a full-time closer in 2017, Iglesias ranks third in baseball in reliever WAR (11.8), trailing only Edwin Diaz and Josh Hader. He also holds the second-most saves (247) in the league, behind Kenley Jansen.
Dubon Adds Versatility to Braves’ Infield
in a separate transaction, the Braves acquired Mauricio Dubon, 31, from the Astros in exchange for infielder Nick Allen. Dubon,a two-time Gold glove winner as a utility infielder (2023 and 2024),appeared in 133 games for Houston last season,batting .241.
Dubon is eligible for salary arbitration and can become a free agent after the 2026 World Series. According to a team spokesperson, Dubon’s ability to play multiple positions is a significant asset. “I told him I don’t know what your role is going to be yet, but the fact that we have the flexibility to play him all over… he’s just a good piece,” the spokesperson said. The Braves are still evaluating their options at shortstop, indicating Dubon’s role will be determined by further offseason moves.
Allen, 27, is eligible for arbitration for the first time and will remain under team control through the 2029 season.
Iglesias initially joined the Braves via a trade from the Los Angeles Angels in 2022. Over four seasons with Atlanta, he recorded 97 saves, a 15-12 record, and a 2.35 ERA. He began his professional career with the Cincinnati Reds in 2015 after being signed as an international free agent in June 2014.
These moves signal the Braves’ commitment to contending for another championship in 2026, addressing both immediate needs and building long-term flexibility within their roster.
