Braves predicted to trade for $13.3M flamethrower to form trio with Raisel Iglesias, Robert Suarez
Braves predicted to trade for $13.3M flamethrower to form trio with Raisel Iglesias, Robert Suarez originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Atlanta Braves had some glaring bullpen needs heading into free agency after the 2025 season. They addressed those needs quickly by bringing back closer Raisel Iglesias on a one-year deal.
“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.
As if that wasn’t enough, Atlanta made it a priority to add another high-end arm during the winter in Robert Suarez . Suarez led the league in saves during the 2025 season.
“Closer Robert Suarez has signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, the team announced Thursday. Suarez, who led the National League this season with 40 saves in 45 chances, became a free agent in early November after opting out of $8 million options for 2026 and 2027,” ESPN wrote.
The Braves’ bullpen has been excellent so far in 2026, but that doesn’t mean they can’t upgrade further. With the Boston Red Sox struggling, Atlanta could explore a trade for reliever Aroldis Chapman .
“Aroldis Chapman (of the Boston Red Sox) is off to an incredible start to the 2026 season with a 1.04 ERA and five saves in nine games. If they continue to struggle (and end up sellers at the trade deadline), Chapman would be an incredible addition to the Braves. The Red Sox could get value out of a player who will not be part of their long-term future, while the Braves would be able to acquire a two-time World Series Champion for their playoff run,” Heavy.com’s Ben Stinar wrote.
Adding an arm like Chapman would make the Braves even more dominant in the bullpen, as he is off to a strong start. It would also give Atlanta another option from the left side of the mound.
Atlanta is already one of the best teams in baseball, and acquiring Chapman would only strengthen them further. Chapman is on a one-year, $13.3 million deal with the Red Sox . Atlanta would become even more dangerous if they complete a trade for Chapman.
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