The 2025 season hasn’t gone as expected for Cuban pitcher Raisel Iglesias. The native of La Palma , Cuba hasn’t performed as usual, and according to reports from Mark Bowman, he has lost his position as the Atlanta Braves’ closer. From now on, he could be called up to fill in at any moment.
The information provided by an MLB.com journalist on his X account also reflects that the spot vacated by Iglesias won’t be occupied by any other pitcher, but rather that the pitchers will be utilized based on game situations that arise. This will be the Braves’ management’s solution, that will be seeking to improve the performance of the hurler and the team.
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One of the factors likely influencing this decision is his $16 million dollar salary and Iglesias’ performance this season has been far below expectations, especially considering the spectacular campaign he had last year. In 2025, he has a 6.75 ERA (18 ERA in 24.0 IP). He also has three wins and five losses and eight saves in 12 opportunities. Opponents are batting .307 against him (31 H; 101 AB). He has issued six walks, struck out 25, and has a 1.54 WHIP.
In 2024, the right-hander from the Isle of Youth was one of the best closers in the MLB and posted 34 saves. Iglesias ranked fourth amongst National League pitchers and fifth in the entire MLB. In 66 appearances with the Atlanta Braves, he totaled 69 ⅓ of work, in which he allowed 19 runs, 15 of them earned (1.95 ERA). The right-hander won six games and lost on two occasions. Opponents connected 38 hits against him in 237 at-bats. He retired 68 batters via the strikeout, gave up 13 walks, three of them intentionally, and his WHIP was a miniscule 0.74.