🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter recently suggested that Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias would be one of the best “buy low” trade targets of the season.
“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.”
Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images
While Reuter didn’t connect Iglesias to any specific landing spot, the Detroit Tigers could make sense as a suitor ahead of the trade deadline.
Detroit is one of the better teams in baseball, and the roster should only get better down the stretch. With one of the best farm systems in the league, the Tigers could land a few huge trades without crippling their future.
Detroit’s bullpen has been solid. Will Vest and Tommy Kahnle have been excellent this season, but the Tigers could use another high-leverage arm at the backend of games.
Adding Iglesias would take some of the pressure off the veteran’s shoulders while moving him to an easier role as a setup man. It’s not the kind of trade the Tigers need to make, but with how much prospect talent they have, it’s a deal they can afford to make.
More MLB: Dodgers Predicted To Cut Ties With Talented Top-Ranked Prospect