One of the key pieces of the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen this 2025 season will once again be Raisel Iglesias. This year the native of the Isle of Youth is projected to surpass 30 saves again according to the mlb.com’s prediction. The Braves are part of one of the toughest divisions in all of Major League Baseball, the National League East.
This year several players rejoin the squad after suffering injuries in 2024, with Ronald Acuña being the most important of those returning. In a division that includes the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies the Braves have their work cut out for them this season.
Iglesias spoke exclusively to our sister page Pelota Cubana and El Nuevo Herald about the his goals for upcoming season with the team. The hurler is only the second Cuban to eclipse 200 saves in the majors and has been the most dominant closer from his country over the last two years.
This year the Braves will see some important pieces returning, how will that help the club?
That is going to be an important factor for that those player are returning to us, their absence really hurt last season. This year, if those players stay healthy, they will give the team a better chance to compete in comparison to last year.
Tell us about playing in a division that is very competitive with the exemption of the Marlins.
It is no secret to anyone that the toughest division in baseball is the National League East. Philadelphia has an excellent team and continues to add more quality players. The Mets, not to mention, did an incredible feat last year and added more quality pieces. We have to continue looking for a way to strengthen our roster to compete.
However, the Dodgers look to be the cream of the crop in MLB.
What the Dodgers have done is an incredible thing. Last year they had a great team and they continue to add quality players. They have practically taken over all of baseball. Our team must focus on the division we are in, try to go day by day, month by month, win games and wait to see what happens in the playoffs. But above all we must play good baseball. As long as you play well there is no difficult opponent.