Braves Re-sign Closer Raisel Iglesias to 1-Year, $16M Deal

The Atlanta Braves just made two big moves to shape their roster for next season. They re-signed veteran closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million deal and brought in Gold Glove utility man Mauricio Dubon from the Houston Astros.

These moves shore up both pitching and defense. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos seems determined to set the team up for another deep playoff run.

With a stronger bullpen and more infield flexibility, Atlanta looks like a real threat in the National League.

Braves Keep Closer Raisel Iglesias

By bringing back Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta keeps their bullpen strong. Iglesias, now 35, has handled high-pressure moments for years and rarely flinches.

His new contract matches what he earned annually on his previous four-year, $58 million deal. That’s a clear sign the Braves trust his arm.

A Season of Adjustment and Strong Finish

In 2025, Iglesias posted a 3.21 ERA. He fought through some early struggles but really locked in during the second half.

He nailed down his final 18 save chances. That’s resilience you can’t teach. He started throwing his slider and changeup less, since those pitches weren’t working as well as they had in 2024.

Even with those tweaks, Iglesias stays among the most reliable relievers in baseball. Since 2017, he ranks third in Wins Above Replacement among relievers.

Since his debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 2015, Iglesias has racked up 247 career saves. Only Kenley Jansen has more in that span.

He brings experience and adaptability—qualities the Braves will need if they want another shot at a title.

Trade Brings Defensive Versatility with Mauricio Dubon

The Braves’ other big move was trading for Mauricio Dubon from the Astros, giving up infielder Nick Allen in return. Dubon, 31, played 133 games last season and hit .241. He also picked up his second Gold Glove.

He can handle almost any infield or outfield spot, which gives Atlanta some needed flexibility.

Dubon’s Role Still Being Defined

GM Alex Anthopoulos likes Dubon’s defensive flexibility, but he’s not ready to lock in Dubon’s role just yet. It’ll depend on what else happens this offseason—maybe even a move for a shortstop.

Dubon is arbitration-eligible and won’t reach free agency until after 2026. That means Atlanta can work him into the roster for at least two years.

For a team chasing a title, having a guy who can move around the diamond is a huge plus. Dubon can cover for injured players, give regulars a breather, and step in late to protect leads.

Impact on Braves’ 2026 Outlook

Here’s how these moves help Atlanta:

Final Thoughts

The Braves’ offseason strategy shows they’re all-in on winning now, but they’re not ignoring the future either. By locking down Iglesias for another year, they keep one of baseball’s most reliable closers.

The Dubon trade brings in a defensive specialist with a championship background. Atlanta suddenly has more lineup options than ever, which feels like a smart move.

With these changes done—and who knows, maybe more coming—fans can look forward to a roster built to handle the grind of 162 games. October’s pressure? The Braves seem ready for that too.

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