Struggling Braves Closer Perfectly Fits Yankees Trade Need

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter recently listed Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias as one of the best “buy low” trade targets at the trade deadline, but he didn’t connect him to any team as a top landing spot.

“Raisel Iglesias was one of the best relievers in baseball in 2024, converting 34 of 38 save chances with a 1.95 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 2.9 WAR over 66 appearances in his third season with the Atlanta Braves,” Reuter wrote. “That All-Star nod won’t be coming this year, as he has struggled to the point of losing his hold on the ninth-inning job in favor of more of a committee approach.

“However, his track record still makes him an appealing buy-low candidate. The 35-year-old is still generating a strong 36.5 percent whiff rate with his signature changeup and is averaging 94.5 mph with his fastball. The stuff is there for him to be a useful bullpen addition to a contender.”

While Reuter didn’t connect Iglesias to any team, the New York Yankees could quickly emerge as one of the better landing spots in baseball if the Braves decide to shop the star pitcher.

New York has a pair of dominant closers at the back end of its bullpen, so there’s no reason to go after another in exchange for a loaded prospect package. But the catch with a trade for Iglesias is that the Yankees could likely land him for a lot less than market value.

Iglesias is on an expiring contract and has struggled this season. The Yankees could look to land him for less than his typical value, taking some of the pressure off his shoulder, and thus likely allowing him to return to his dominant form.

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