Orioles Left Reeling as Braves Secure Iglesias with $16M Contract
The landscape of the free-agent closer market has started to take shape, and the Baltimore Orioles find themselves navigating some unexpected turbulence. Just as the team was ramping up its efforts to reinforce its bullpen, the Atlanta Braves swooped in and secured veteran closer Raisel Iglesias on a one-year, $16 million deal.
This development comes as a disappointment for the Orioles, who were among the teams actively pursuing Iglesias prior to his signing. The news, first reported by Francys Romero, highlights the competitive nature of this offseason, with multiple teams, including the New York Mets, also expressing interest in the talented closer.
As Baltimore’s hopes of acquiring Iglesias evaporate, the organization will now have to pivot and explore alternative options to bolster their bullpen. With Iglesias off the market, the pressure is on the Orioles’ front office to identify and secure a reliable arm capable of closing games as they look to build on their recent successes.

