Per reports, the Atlanta Braves beat the buzzer and finalized a trade with the Los Angeles Angels to acquire another bullpen arm in Raisel Iglesias. In return, the Braves will send the Angels pitchers Jesse Chavez and Tucker Davidson.
The likely scenario is that Iglesias will slot into the set-up role for Braves closer Kenley Jansen, but the thought is that he could also fulfill that role in days that Jansen cannot go - a role he is already quite familiar with.
Iglesias will be making $16 million in each of his next three seasons after signing a 4-year deal worth $58 million in 2021. Over his 35.2 innings pitched this season, he has a 4.04 ERA with 48 strikeouts, 16 earned runs, 16 saves, and an impressive 1.065 WHIP.
The Atlanta Braves know from personal experience how important it is to have a solidified bullpen in the postseason. This move only serves to fortify the unit after they traded away their struggling 2021 postseason hero, Will Smith, to Houston for starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi.
The group should only continue to improve following the addition of Kirby Yates from his rehabilitation assignment in Gwinnett.
So where does this leave the newly minted Braves bullpen? Likely, stronger than where we found it just 24 hours ago.
Simply put, Will Smith was struggling. He was likely on his way out as soon as the aforementioned Yates was available for promotion. By parting with him, Alex Anthopolous was able to turn water into wine while simultaneously bolstering the starting rotation with some needed depth in the process.
Now, in comes a relief pitcher who hasn't the best of seasons in 2022, but one that is only a season removed from receiving Cy Young votes in 2021. In a style akin to 2021, Anthopolous was able to buy low on a high-ceiling player that should come in and immediately thrive.
Add a thriving Iglesias to a group that already features the likes of Kenley Jansen, Tyler Matzek, Collin McHugh, A.J. Minter, and Dylan Lee and the Braves may very well have the best bullpen in the National League, again.