At the 2022 trade deadline, the Braves and Alex Anthopoulos were in real need for a back of the bullpen arm. Before trading for Raisel Iglesias at the deadline, AA had already acquired…
- Robbie Grossman for Kris Anglin
- Jake Odorizzi for Will Smith,
- Ehire Adrianza for Trey Harris.
With little prospect capital in the farm, the Braves sent MLB talent to the Angels in Jesse Chavez and Tucker Davidson, but had to pay all of Iglesias’s salary which will end up totaling ~$51.5MM through 2025. Aside from money, there was no real loss in any of these deals, although none outside of Iglesias really paid off in terms of production.
Raisel’s 2023 Derailed
Shoulder inflammation showed its ugly head in the spring and Iglesias was shut down. After a ~1.5 month stretch rehabbing, Iglesias made his way back to the mound. 4 appearances in, Iglesias was able to shake off the rust (10.80 ERA through the first 4). From May 17th on, Iglesias carried a 2.24 ERA, striking out 64 in 52.1 innings, and collected 32 saves. His final tally for the year was 55.2 innings, 33 saves , 2.75 ERA, and 4.5K/BB rate.
According to ESPN, Iglesias ranked as the 9th best closer in baseball and that seems about right. The Braves have an elite offense, so an elite closer isn’t as necessary. I’ll take a top 10 closer with an elite bullpen all day.
ZIPS Projections
ZIPS is really high on Iglesias for 2024, projecting 66 innings of 3.09 ERA baseball while carrying an 11.3 K/9 to go along with a slim 2.1 BB/9. I dig it.
If healthy for all 2024, Iglesias will be the best closer we’ve had since ________.
What say you?
https://x.com/grantmcauley/status/1759706374701719554?s=20
It’s hard not to see that d’Arnaud is a future manager. He definitely possesses the personality, experience, knowledge, etc. I think he’ll be the next Kevin Cash, and if he chooses his team wisely, he won’t be the next Brad Ausmus.
But for 2024, should I not be a little concerned? He had a 82 OPS+ last year, he’s 35, and we’re already starting the “coach on the field” stuff. He’s signed for $8M this year and next. Are all of these feelings of good will going to dissipate when he’s a 35-36 year old backup catcher who’s cooked and making $8M?