The Braves needed the proverbial “home run” winter after how the 2025 season transpired. They appear to have hit one.
President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos had numerous stated desires before free agency opened. He’s addressed nearly all of his needs, doing so with dollars rather than dipping into a farm system that’s being reloaded.
The team needed a closer. It signed Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million deal to continue his fruitful Braves tenure. The decision not to trade him in July proved valuable as Iglesias chose to remain with the Braves rather than hop to another contender.
The team needed additional bullpen reinforcements. Enter Robert Suarez, an All-Star reliever who gives the Braves one of baseball’s best setup men.
The Iglesias-Suarez combo becomes the envy of many bullpens. And for future’s sake, Suarez — who signed a three-year deal — can step into the closer role after the coming season.