### Braves Reinforce Roster with Raisel Iglesias and Mauricio Dubón The Atlanta Braves have made significant moves in the offseason to bolster their roster, focusing on both their bullpen and defensive capabilities. They finalized a one-year, $16 million contract to retain closer Raisel Iglesias, a key player who has been instrumental in their bullpen since joining the team in 2022. Additionally, the Braves completed a trade with the Houston Astros to acquire Mauricio Dubón, a two-time Gold Glove winner, enhancing their defensive depth. These strategic decisions reflect the Braves' commitment to returning to World Series contention after a disappointing 2025 season, where they struggled significantly [https://www.kvi.com/2025/11/21/braves-sign-raisel-iglesias-to-16m-extension-acquire-mauricio-dubon-from-astros]. ### Breakdown of the Braves' Offseason Moves 1. **Re-signing Raisel Iglesias** - The Braves secured Iglesias for one more year at $16 million, addressing a critical need in their bullpen [https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/braves-raisel-iglesias-b26376]. - Iglesias has been a reliable closer, posting a 2.35 ERA and 97 saves over his tenure with the Braves [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/braves_announce_deal_with_raisel_iglesias/s1_16493_43093572]. 2. **Acquisition of Mauricio Dubón** - The trade for Dubón adds a versatile player known for his defensive skills, which will help solidify the Braves' infield [https://www.kvi.com/2025/11/21/braves-sign-raisel-iglesias-to-16m-extension-acquire-mauricio-dubon-from-astros]. - Dubón's experience and accolades, including two Gold Gloves, will enhance the team's overall defensive performance [https://www.kvi.com/2025/11/21/braves-sign-raisel-iglesias-to-16m-extension-acquire-mauricio-dubon-from-astros]. 3. **Future Considerations** - While retaining Iglesias is a positive step, analysts suggest the Braves still need to address other areas, particularly the starting rotation and shortstop position, to fully compete for a championship [https://fansided.com/mlb/how-braves-can-turn-raisel-iglesias-reunion-into-a-pennant-winning-offseason]. - The Braves' management has indicated that they are open to further upgrades, leveraging the salary freed up from other roster changes [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/braves_re_sign_raisel_iglesias_what_to_make_of_move/s1_17653_43093472]. ### Supporting Data and Performance Metrics - **Raisel Iglesias' Performance:** - **ERA:** 2.35 over 222 appearances since joining the Braves. - **Saves:** 97 saves, ranking him among the top closers in MLB [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/braves_announce_deal_with_raisel_iglesias/s1_16493_43093572]. - **2025 Season Stats:** Despite a rocky start, Iglesias finished strong with a 1.25 ERA in his last 45 outings [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/braves_re_sign_raisel_iglesias_what_to_make_of_move/s1_17653_43093472]. - **Mauricio Dubón's Defensive Credentials:** - **Gold Gloves:** Two-time winner, showcasing his defensive prowess [https://www.kvi.com/2025/11/21/braves-sign-raisel-iglesias-to-16m-extension-acquire-mauricio-dubon-from-astros]. ### Conclusion: A Promising Offseason for the Braves In summary, the Atlanta Braves have made strategic moves by re-signing Raisel Iglesias and acquiring Mauricio Dubón, setting a solid foundation for the upcoming season. 1. **Key Retention:** Iglesias' return strengthens the bullpen, a critical area for the Braves. 2. **Defensive Upgrade:** Dubón's acquisition enhances the team's infield defense, addressing a significant need. 3. **Future Outlook:** While these moves are promising, the Braves must continue to improve other aspects of their roster to compete effectively in the 2026 season. These actions reflect the Braves' commitment to returning to playoff contention and potentially reclaiming their status as a championship-caliber team [https://www.kvi.com/2025/11/21/braves-sign-raisel-iglesias-to-16m-extension-acquire-mauricio-dubon-from-astros].