The Braves bringing this free agent back is becoming a no-brainer

The Atlanta Braves don’t have a ton of players set to hit free agency this upcoming offseason, with the most notable being Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias.

Just a couple of months ago, the idea of either returning seemed far-fetched. Both stumbled through the first half, which tanked their trade value and made it tough for Atlanta to find a suitor. The Braves held onto them, and that decision looks like a blessing in disguise. Since the deadline passed, Ozuna and Iglesias have been driving forces behind the Braves’ surge, as the club has won 11 of its last 14 games.

The Big Bear has five home runs over his last 12 games, leading to a .981 OPS. The tear in his hip appears to have subsided, as he’s rediscovered his power stroke. Dating back to July 9th, he has nine home runs over a 28-game span.

The Braves could potentially bring Marcell Ozuna back this offseason. It’s highly unlikely he garners much more than a one-year deal in the $10-15 million range. Given the potential upside, it might be worth it.

However, it would be understandable if the club passed on the gamble because of Ozuna’s inability to play in the field at all. Drake Baldwin is deserving of more everyday opportunities, and the Braves also might want to DH Ronald Acuña J r. at times next season to keep him as healthy as possible.

The future for Raisel Iglesias should be a lot less cloudy. The fact that nobody ponied up the prospect capital necessary to acquire the Braves closer at the trade deadline is nothing short of malpractice from the rest of the league.

Sure, Iglesias’ 2025 campaign started off brutally, but in his final 21 appearances leading up to the trade deadline, he recorded a 2.29 ERA with a 2.20 FIP. That’s an elite level of production, and Iglesias has been even better since the trade deadline passed. He has not allowed a run in his last eight appearances, going a perfect six for six in save opportunities.

Dating back to June 9th (29 games), Iglesias now boasts a 1.63 ERA with a 1.82 FIP. He is still a dominant closer, and if the Braves don’t bring him back, it’s just another hole they will have to fill in the offseason. Coming off a “down year” and entering his age-36 season, it shouldn’t break the bank to bring him back either.