Atlanta Braves Face Bullpen Uncertainty as Raisel Iglesias’ Future Remains Unclear
The Atlanta Braves find themselves at a critical juncture as the potential departure of closer Raisel Iglesias looms large. Currently a free agent, Iglesias is anticipated to draw significant interest from other teams, leaving the Braves in search of new options to fill a vital role in their bullpen.
Exploring the Closer Market
While the Braves have a roster of solid closers available on the market, securing one isn’t a guarantee. The team must consider whether any new additions can step into the closer role, or if they will need to look within their existing ranks. The stakes are high, as the Braves must ensure they have a reliable pitcher in the ninth inning.
In a previous assessment, two names—Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley—were highlighted as potential fits for the Braves. However, with both players not retained, they are no longer viable options. This leaves the Braves to re-evaluate their internal candidates and identify who might be primed for the closer role moving forward.
Internal Candidates for the Closer Role
As the Braves sift through their roster, a few familiar names stand out as potential successors to Iglesias:
Dylan Lee
Last season, Dylan Lee showcased his capabilities in high-pressure situations, posting a commendable 2.78 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP along with two saves over 26 1/3 innings. Primarily utilized in the seventh inning, Lee has demonstrated he can handle late-game responsibilities. Given his proven effectiveness, he becomes a prime candidate to step into the ninth-inning role. Plus, the idea of blasting “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” during crucial moments only adds to his appeal.
Joe Jiménez
The case of Joe Jiménez is more complex. His health has been a concern, as he faced setbacks late in the previous season. Nevertheless, if he can fully recover from his knee injury, he could emerge as the best option within the bullpen. In his last healthy season in 2024, Jiménez recorded a 2.62 ERA and three saves, primarily serving as an eighth-inning specialist over 68 1/3 innings.
Aaron Bummer
Aaron Bummer finished the season on the injured list due to a shoulder issue, but his return next season is expected. He closed out the year with a 3.06 ERA across 50 innings. While his strengths lie in middle-inning appearances, the Braves may choose to evaluate him in a late-inning role, given his veteran experience.
Reynaldo López
Reynaldo López, who could find himself vying for a rotation spot, is another intriguing option. His recent performance as a reliever has been impressive, particularly after his time with the White Sox. In 2023, he posted a remarkable 1.50 ERA over 24 innings split between the Angels and Guardians. He also contributed a scoreless inning for the Braves during a doubleheader against the Mets to wrap up the season. However, López’s history of injuries, particularly due to overuse, raises questions about his workload moving forward.
Looking Ahead
With Raisel Iglesias’ future uncertain and the market for closers becoming increasingly competitive, the Braves face a pivotal offseason. As they evaluate both external and internal options, the decisions made in the coming weeks will be crucial for the team’s success in the 2024 campaign. The search for a reliable closer could shape the Braves’ bullpen strategy and ultimately impact their performance in the upcoming season.
