Three potential landing spots for Braves closer Raisel Iglesias

It turns out the Atlanta Braves never truly recovered from their pitiful 0-7 start to the 2025 season. 

Sitting at 42-53 to begin the second half, the Braves are a daunting 12.5 games back in the National League East, but a more palatable (yet still uninspiring) 9.5 games back of a wild-card spot. 

That positioning should make Atlanta a likely seller at the July 31 MLB trade deadline. We've already highlighted designated hitter Marcell Ozuna as a possible Braves trade chip, but what about closer Raisel Iglesias? 

The veteran reliever has an expiring contract as well, and could be coveted by teams looking to reinforce their bullpens for the stretch run despite a pedestrian 4.42 ERA and 11 saves in 2025.

Here are three clubs that could vie for Iglesias' services. 

1. Detroit Tigers

The Tigers should be all-in on 2025, as they currently possess MLB's top record (59-38). That includes beefing up a bullpen unit that ranks just 21st league-wide with a 4.13 ERA. 

No disrespect to right-hander Will Vest, of course, who has been stellar with a 2.30 ERA and 15 saves thus far for Detroit. But as the Los Angeles Dodgers showed us last year during their championship run, no amount of pitching depth is too much.

Iglesias could benefit from a change of scenery and a chance to contend for a World Series with the Tigers. It's worth noting that Iglesias has plenty of postseason experience himself, dating back to his arrival in Atlanta via the Angels three summers ago.

2. New York Yankees

It's no secret that the Yankees have had closer troubles this season, with righty Luke Weaver surrendering close to two home runs per nine innings, while fellow reliever Devin Williams has underperformed with a 4.58 ERA on the season.

Typically a strength for New York, its bullpen ERA of 4.08 halfway through 2025 is just 20th in MLB, notably ahead of the Tigers but below-average in the grand scheme. 

That's where Iglesias could emerge as a strong alternative. He's a perfect buy-low candidate for the Yankees at the deadline, who excel at reclaiming veteran relievers, while the 35-year-old Iglesias possesses the talent and experience that could make him a force in the Bronx. 

3. Cincinnati Reds

Reunion, anyone? 

Iglesias began his MLB career with the Reds in 2015 and spent his first six seasons there before being flipped to the Angels in 2021.

The Reds may not need a closer thanks to right-hander Emilio Pagan (2.93 ERA, 20 saves), but Iglesias could thrive in a lower-pressure setup role behind the former. Not to mention, Iglesias is quite familiar with Great American Ball Park, having called that stadium home for longer than any other place he's played to this point.

If the cost isn't too steep (Iglesias would be a pure rental), Cincinnati, just 2.5 games back of the last wild-card spot in the NL, should seriously consider bolstering its bullpen by reuniting with its former closer.