That profit was realized on Wednesday evening, when Iglesias signed a one-year, $16 million contract with the Braves. There was at all times mutual curiosity between the crew and the 35-year-old nearer to increase their relationship.
“We at all times had intentions to convey him again,” Anthopoulos mentioned. “We did not know when it could get carried out or how lengthy it could take. I believe staying with the identical crew makes it simpler for that to occur. Generally once you reduce the wire and folks transfer on to different locations, there’s laborious emotions.”
Anthopoulos made vital progress along with his roster reconstruction efforts on Wednesday, when he additionally acquired Mauricio Dubón from the Astros. Dubón may find yourself being Atlanta’s major shortstop, whereas Iglesias will function the Braves’ nearer for a fourth straight season.
Iglesias, who will flip 36 in January, additionally made $16 million every of the previous three seasons.
“We all know he suits within the clubhouse,” Anthopoulos mentioned. “We all know the well being. We all know the make-up. We all know the power. He is such an important match for us. He needed to be right here. I don’t wish to communicate for him, however I believe his purpose and his first selection was to be again in Atlanta.”
Iglesias struggled initially of final season, posting a 6.75 ERA by his first 25 appearances. However he returned to kind whereas developing a 1.25 ERA over the 45 appearances (43 1/3 innings) that adopted. He ended up producing a good 3.21 ERA over a career-high 70 appearances.
There was some curiosity in Iglesias main into the Commerce Deadline, however nothing that will have benefited the Braves past saving some cash over the season’s remaining two months. Anthopoulos knew the long-term advantages of preserving the reliever within the group would outweigh a wage dump.
Iglesias transformed 67 of 75 saves whereas posting a 2.30 ERA over 124 appearances for Atlanta from 2023-24. He’ll enter the 2026 season with 253 profession saves.
“We’ll must do extra,” Anthopoulos mentioned. “How that is going to current itself, who, what, when and the place? I do not know but, however nearer is unquestionably the anchor, and also you positively wish to get that solved.”
