The biggest issue with relief pitchers is their unpredictable inconsistency. Even the best relievers aren’t exempt from this, as history has shown. This season, Devin Williams and Emmanuel Clase have drawn attention for surprisingly poor showings after years of excellence. In Atlanta, Braves closer Raisel Iglesias is also facing his own set of challenges.
Raisel Iglesias is losing games for Atlanta
Over the past three years, Iglesias has served as the Braves’ dependable closer, boasting a solid 2.93 ERA over his 11-year MLB career. However, his recent outings have turned from reassuring to nerve-racking for Braves fans.
After finishing 2024 with an impressive 1.95 ERA, Iglesias has unraveled in 2025. Through 15.1 innings, he’s allowed 10 earned runs — translating to a 5.87 ERA — along with 16 hits, three walks, six home runs, two blown saves, and three losses over 16 appearances.
His struggles stem largely from diminished pitch effectiveness, as both his velocity and spin rates have dropped. Unfortunately for the Braves, his downturn comes at a particularly bad time — the team sits at 19-21 heading into Monday, clinging to playoff hopes while struggling to stay above .500. Inconsistent performances from their closer are a liability they can’t afford.
Iglesias originally signed a four-year, \$58 million deal with the Angels in 2022 before being traded to Atlanta at the deadline.
Now in the final year of that contract, he’s on pace for a significant pay cut from the \$16 million he’s earning this season if his performance doesn’t rebound. Whether the Braves decide to move on at the trade deadline or let him walk in free agency, this could very well be his final season in Atlanta.
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