Atlanta Braves Add Huge Bullpen Piece

The Los Angeles Angels have cleared house, and the Atlanta Braves have strengthened their bullpen for another playoff run. Elite closer Raisel Iglesias heads to Atlanta.

Braves getting Raisel Iglesias from Angels for Tucker Davidson and Jesse Chavez, source tells @TheAthletic. Braves taking remainder of Iglesias’ contract. First: @ByRobertMurray.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 2, 2022

Iglesias more than replaces reliever Will Smith, who the Braves traded on Monday to the Houston Astros for starter Jake Odorizzi.

The 32-year-old Iglesias gives the Braves a devastating 1-2 punch at the back end of their bullpen, with Kenley Jansen.

After signing a 4-year, $58M deal this past offseason, Iglesias has notched 16 saves and a stellar 48:9 strikeout to walk ratio this year, along with a 4.04 ERA, and a 12.4 K/9 rate. He had 30+ saves in each of the three previous full seasons.

Tucker Davidson and Jesse Chavez head to the Angels in the deal.

Photo: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports