The Atlanta Braves are not only looking to improve their starting rotation this offseason but also want to solidify their bullpen once again. The team’s starting pitchers have struggled to stay healthy over the past couple of seasons, making pitching depth a major priority.
Fortunately, the bullpen has consistently stepped up to help Atlanta close out games. On Thursday, the Braves made a significant move by signing former Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips.
“Reliever Evan Phillips and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a three-year, $35 million contract. Biggest deal of the winter so far sends the veteran to Atlanta, which already has one of the best bullpens in baseball,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.
With Atlanta adding an established high-leverage reliever like Phillips, there was growing speculation that Raisel Iglesias would not return. However, MLB reporter Francys Romero reported that the Braves remain interested in bringing the veteran closer back.
“Raisel Iglesias has drawn interest from multiple teams, including the Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers, per sources. The 36-year-old right-hander is coming off a season in which he posted a 2.55 ERA with 34 saves,” Romero wrote.
Atlanta brought Iglesias back last offseason on a one-year deal worth $16 million, and the veteran delivered another strong season.
“The Braves have addressed one of their offseason priorities by re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million contract. Atlanta announced the deal Wednesday. Iglesias, a 35-year-old right-hander, had completed a four-year, $58 million contract that paid him $16 million in each of the past three seasons,” ESPN wrote.
If the Braves can bring Iglesias back on a contract similar to his previous deal, their bullpen could become one of the most formidable units in baseball. Pairing him with Phillips would give Atlanta another proven late-inning option while potentially allowing Didier Fuentes to move back into the starting rotation.
Atlanta is clearly not wasting time this offseason and understands that improving its pitching staff is essential. Iglesias has enjoyed his time in Atlanta, which could work in the Braves’ favor as they explore the possibility of bringing him back. If the two sides can agree on the right price, the veteran closer could be part of an already talented bullpen once again.
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