Raisel Iglesias, a right-handed pitcher from Cuba, made headlines in December 2021 when he signed a lucrative contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
However, just six months later, he found himself on the move again as the Atlanta Braves acquired him at the trade deadline.
So, what happened to Raisel Iglesias? Let’s take a closer look.
Early Success With the Angels
Raisel Iglesias, a Cuban professional baseball pitcher, is currently playing for the Atlanta Braves. He signed a lucrative contract with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2020, but was traded to Atlanta at the 2022 deadline.
In this paper, we will discuss Iglesias’ performance with the Angels, including his highlights, and the reasons why the Angels decided to trade him.
Highlights of Iglesias’ Performance With the Angels
Iglesias had an impressive first season with the Angels, posting 34 saves in 2021, which was the fifth-best in the American League.
He had an ERA (earned run average) of 3.74, 68 strikeouts, and 13 walks in 55 innings pitched. Iglesias also became the first Angel to save at least 20 games before the All-Star break since Francisco Rodriguez in 2008.
Reason for the Angels’ Decision to Trade Him
Despite Iglesias’ success with the Angels, the team decided to trade him in 2022 for two pitchers, Tucker Davidson and Jesse Chavez.
The Angels’ decision to trade Iglesias was primarily due to the team’s poor performance, as they had a record of 53-59 at the time of the trade. The Angels were in fourth place in the American League West division and practically out of playoff contention.
Additionally, Iglesias’ high salary may have been a factor in the trade. The Angels had signed him to a four-year, $58M contract, making him one of the highest-paid closers in the league.
With the team’s struggles and Iglesias’ salary, the Angels may have deemed it necessary to move him to acquire other players to help them rebuild.
Raisel Iglesias had an outstanding performance with the Angels, saving 34 games in his first season with the team.
However, the Angels’ poor performance and Iglesias’ high salary may have played a significant role in the decision to trade him to the Atlanta Braves in 2022.
Trade to Atlanta Braves
Raisel Iglesias was one of the most in-demand relief pitchers during the 2021-2022 MLB off-season and ultimately signed a lucrative contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
However, midway through the 2022 season, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Tucker Davidson and Jesse Chavez.
This move had significant implications for both teams, as well as for Iglesias himself. In this paper, we will outline the details of the trade and discuss the expectations of Iglesias with his new team.
Background
Before diving into the specifics of the trade, it is important to have some context about Iglesias and the teams involved. Iglesias is a Cuban-born right-handed pitcher who spent his first six seasons in the league with the Cincinnati Reds.
He was one of the most reliable closers in the National League, with a career 3.15 ERA, 387 strikeouts, and 101 saves.
In December 2021, he signed a four-year, $58 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. At the time of the trade, he had a 3.32 ERA, 48 strikeouts, and 17 saves in 38 innings pitched for the Angels.
The Atlanta Braves, on the other hand, were in need of bullpen help as they pursued a playoff spot. They were coming off a World Series championship in 2021 but had lost some key relievers in the off-season.
Tucker Davidson was a left-handed pitcher who had made seven starts for the Braves in 2022, posting a 2-0 record with a 4.20 ERA. Jesse Chavez was a right-handed relief pitcher who had appeared in 28 games for the Braves, recording a 1-0 record with a 5.82 ERA.
Details of the Trade With the Braves
On July 30, 2022, the Angels traded Raisel Iglesias to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Tucker Davidson and Jesse Chavez. The trade was announced just minutes before the MLB trade deadline.
In Iglesias, the Braves acquired a proven closer who could help them down the stretch. In Davidson and Chavez, the Angels received some much-needed pitching depth.
Expectations of Iglesias With the Braves
With the Braves, Iglesias is expected to serve as the team’s closer, helping to solidify the back end of the bullpen.
This is an area in which the Braves had struggled earlier in the season, so his addition could be a major boon to the team. Iglesias brings experience, poise, and a track record of success, all of which should help him thrive in his new surroundings.
The Braves are hoping that he will help them make a deep playoff run, and his performance will be key to their success.
The trade of Raisel Iglesias from the Los Angeles Angels to the Atlanta Braves was a significant move for all parties involved.
The Angels added some much-needed pitching depth, while the Braves improved their bullpen with the addition of a proven closer.
With Iglesias now in Atlanta, the expectations are high, and he will be counted on to help the team make a push for the playoffs. Only time will tell how this trade ultimately works out for both teams.
Struggles With the Braves
Raisel Iglesias, a talented relief pitcher, was traded to the Atlanta Braves at the deadline in the 2022 season. The Braves were hoping that Iglesias’ presence could bolster their bullpen and help them make a playoff run. However, things did not go as planned, as Iglesias struggled to find his footing with the Braves.
Analysis of Iglesias’ Performance With the Braves
After joining the Braves, Iglesias struggled to find consistency in his performance. In 14 appearances, he posted a 6.33 ERA and a 1.82 WHIP, which are significantly worse than his career averages. Iglesias also struggled with command, walking 6.5 batters per nine innings, almost double his career average.
His struggles were particularly evident in high-leverage situations, where he allowed 8 earned runs in just 7 innings pitched.
Possible Reasons for His Struggles
There are a few possible reasons for Iglesias’ struggles with the Braves. Firstly, Iglesias may have struggled to adjust to a new team and a new league.
The National League has different rules than the American League, which may have impacted his effectiveness. Secondly, Iglesias may have experienced a decline in velocity and movement on his pitches.
This could be due to a lack of feel or physical decline. Lastly, Iglesias may have simply been experiencing a run of bad luck, as evidenced by his high BABIP (batting average on balls in play) with the Braves.
Despite his struggles with the Braves, it is important to remember that Raisel Iglesias is a proven relief pitcher with a strong track record of success.
It is possible that a change of scenery could help him regain his form, as he moves on to a new team for the 2023 season. Regardless, the Braves’ decision to acquire Iglesias at the deadline was a calculated risk that unfortunately did not pay off.
Recent Improvements
Signs of Improvement in Iglesias’ Performance
Since his arrival in Atlanta, Raisel Iglesias has been a crucial member of the Braves’ bullpen. The former closer has shown impressive signs of improvement in his performance so far this season, making his presence felt on the mound.
Throughout his time with the Angels, Iglesias struggled to replicate the form that had seen him become a highly sought-after closer.
His ERA (Earned Run Average) sat at an unimpressive 4.22, and he had blown five saves out of 20 total opportunities. However, since joining the Braves, Iglesias has looked like a completely different player.
Through 12 appearances for the Braves, Iglesias has registered a 1.54 ERA, allowing just two earned runs in 11.2 innings pitched. He has also racked up 15 strikeouts and has yet to walk a batter in his new uniform.
These numbers are notable improvements over his performance with the Angels and serve as evidence that Iglesias has regained his confidence and is now back to his best.
His ability to get ahead in the count, throw strikes and locate his pitches has all played a vital role in his impressive start with the Braves.
Impact on the Braves’ Bullpen
Iglesias’ resurgence has made a significant impact on the Braves’ bullpen, which has been one of the strongest in baseball this season.
He has been one of the team’s most reliable relievers since his arrival, consistently delivering superb performances in high-pressure situations.
With Iglesias in the bullpen, the Braves now boast another reliable arm to call upon in tight games. His ability to pitch deep into games, record crucial outs, and provide stability to the bullpen has been a massive boost to the team’s playoff hopes.
Moreover, Iglesias’ presence in the bullpen has allowed manager Brian Snitker to rest other key relievers and avoid overworking them.
Iglesias has managed to bridge the gap between the starters and the back end of the bullpen, reducing the burden on other pitchers and keeping them fresher for longer.
Raisel Iglesias has been an essential addition to the Braves’ bullpen, providing much-needed stability and consistency.
His impressive performances since joining the team have been a vital factor in the team’s success, and his recent improvements bode well for the future.
His ability to control games and close out tight situations will be crucial for Atlanta as they look to clinch a playoff spot and make a deep postseason run.
If he can maintain his current form, Iglesias will be a vital part of the Braves’ success for the rest of this season and beyond.
How Long Will Raisel Iglesias Be Out?
Injury Details
Raisel Iglesias, the Cincinnati Reds’ closer, recently suffered an injury that will keep him out for an extended period. He is expected to be sidelined until at least April 15.
Expected Recovery Timeline
According to reports, Iglesias will need significant time to recover from his injury before he can return to the mound. Assuming no setbacks, he will have to wait until at least mid-April to make his comeback.
Rehabilitation Progress
Iglesias will need to maintain a strict rehabilitation program during his recovery to avoid any setbacks. This includes following a proper throwing program that will help him to regain his strength and endurance.
Impact on the Reds
Iglesias’ absence will be a significant blow to the Cincinnati Reds. The team has relied heavily on him in recent years to close out games, and he is considered one of the best relievers in the league.
Potential Return Date
While Iglesias’ return date is uncertain at this time, the Reds will be hoping to have him back in action as soon as possible.
They will need him to be fully healthy and ready to go when he does return, as they will be counting on him to help them win games down the stretch.
What Team is Raisel Iglesias on?
Introducing Raisel Iglesias Raisel Iglesias is a professional baseball player who currently plays for the Braves. He is a right-handed pitcher who made his MLB debut in 2015.
Iglesias’ Injury Iglesias suffered a shoulder injury earlier this year and has been on the injured list since May. He has been working on his rehabilitation and has recently made a rehab appearance.
Rehab Appearance In his first rehab appearance, Iglesias pitched a scoreless inning for Triple-A Gwinnett. He struck out one batter and retired all three batters he faced.
Importance to the Braves Iglesias is an important player for the Braves. He has been a reliable relief pitcher for the team, posting a 3.68 ERA in 24.2 innings pitched this season.
Future Outlook If Iglesias continues to progress in his rehabilitation, he could return to the Braves bullpen in the near future. His return would provide a big boost to the team as they aim to make a push for the playoffs.
To Recap
Raisel Iglesias’ story over the past year has been one of change and adaptability. He signed a big contract with the Angels in December 2021 but found himself traded to the Braves just six months later.
Nevertheless, he has continued to perform at a high level on the mound, proving himself to be a valuable asset to any team he joins.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Iglesias, but with his talent and determination, he is sure to make an impact wherever he goes.
