Braves aren't wasting any time with roster reconstruction

The Braves re-sign Raisel Iglesias to add bullpen depth

Braves general manager and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos also wasted no time bringing back a key member of their bullpen, signing Iglesias to a one-year deal worth $16 million. Iglesias has been with the Braves for the past four seasons (2022-25) after getting traded from the Los Angeles Angels. 

Entering his age-36 season, Iglesias is still one of the best bullpen arms in baseball, recording 29 saves in 34 opportunities (tied for ninth in baseball),  while posting a 4-6 record with a 3.21 ERA in 70 games (67.1 innings). The Braves' bullpen was average last season, ranking 19th in ERA (4.19).

The Braves will be a team competing for the NL East next season with their offseason opening salvos 

Bringing back Iglesias and having, most if not all, their players healthy to start the season, the Braves should give the Philadelphia Phillies (winners of the NL East) and the New York Mets a more competitive run. 

Having outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee), third baseman Austin Riley (abdominal strain) and second baseman Ozzie Albies (left hand hamate bone fracture) start the season on time will help the Braves get a better start. Losing seven straight games to start last season, the Braves went 23-26 until Acuna returned. However, they went 30-24 in the final two months of the season. 

The Braves' starting rotation should also be healthy to start the season. Led by ace and 2024 Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale,  right-handers Reynold Lopez, Spencer Schwellenbach and Grant Holmes will all be returning from injuries to give them a decent 1-4.

The Braves have time to make moves, but their main goal is to start 2026 healthy. Predicted to win 10 more games before adding Dubon and retaining Iglesias, the Braves could get back up into the 90-win range.