Raisel Iglesias has been a Major League player since 2015, but until this season had never been selected to an All-Star Game. Earlier this year, the Cuban reliever told Pelota Cubana USA that he had lost hope of ever receiving the honor.
After a long wait, however, he was finally chosen as one of the three relievers representing the National League.In 28 appearances this season with the Atlanta Braves, Iglesias owns a career-best 1.53 ERA, along with a 1.99 FIP, 9.82 strikeouts per nine innings (K/9), 1.84 walks per nine innings (BB/9), and 17 saves.
His streak of 35 consecutive converted save opportunities is the longest active streak in Major League Baseball, while his 270 career saves rank fourth among all active pitchers.
We talked with you in Miami, and you said you had kind of lost hope of reaching this moment. When you got the news, how much did it mean to know you’d be here representing the Braves?
First of all, I’d like to send my greetings to everyone in Cuba. Like we talked about before, I really didn’t have much confidence anymore when it came to making the All-Star Game. Thank God I got the opportunity and was selected. Like I said, if they chose me, I’d come here, participate, and try to enjoy the best experience possible. Spend time with a lot of teammates who have incredible talent and ability, enjoy this moment, and make the most of it. If I hadn’t been selected, I would’ve gone home happy, spent my four days off with my family, enjoyed a little vacation, and gotten ready for a healthy and successful second half. But thank God we’re here. Like I said, I’m here to have fun and enjoy the experience.
After everything you’ve accomplished in the major leagues, you’re finally an All-Star. Considering all the saves and everything you’ve done in your career, what does it mean that it finally happened?
Like I said, I’m very happy to be here and to take part in this. It’s another accomplishment in my career, another achievement. Being part of this outstanding group of great players means a lot. Like I said, I’m just here to enjoy myself, have fun, and take away the best experience possible.
Talk a little about your season. Your numbers seem to keep getting better every year. How do you evaluate your season so far, and what’s left for Raisel Iglesias in 2026?
It’s been a great season so far. I’m very happy with the results and with how everything has gone. I’m just trying to give my best every time I’m on the field and help the team win games, because that’s the main goal. For the second half, the focus is staying healthy, keeping this same rhythm going, and improving in a couple of areas so I can finish with a truly successful season.
How much family do you have here with you in Philadelphia for the All-Star Game?
My brother and his wife are here, my wife, my kids, and several other family members. I also have some friends here with me. I’m very happy. We’re all one family, and I hope they also get to enjoy this experience and make great memories from being here at the All-Star Game.
You’re one of eight Cubans here representing your country. What does it mean to be here as one of those Cuban players at the All-Star Game?
I’m very proud to be one of the eight Cubans representing Cuba here at the All-Star Game. We all know the difficult situation our country is going through, and like I said, we’re here to enjoy this experience and do our best. I hope our fans in Cuba, here in the United States, and anywhere else in the world who get the chance to watch the All-Star Game come away with a great impression of us and feel proud of the eight players representing Cuba here.
Is there a player from the American League you’d especially like to face tomorrow?
I’ve been in the major leagues for 12 years. I think I’ve faced just about every player who’s on the American League roster already. So really, I’m just looking forward to going out there tomorrow, having fun, pitching, and enjoying the game.