Raisel Iglesias: The Underrated Dominance of Baseball’s Best Closer
Raisel Iglesias may not be the first name that comes to mind when discussing baseball’s best closers, but his performance this season is nothing short of historic. Despite not having a blazing fastball or recording strikeouts at an astronomical rate, Iglesias has proven himself to be one of the top relievers in the game.
In his last 22 appearances, Iglesias has not allowed an earned run, extending his streak to 25 innings without giving up a run. His 0.24 walks-plus-hits per inning pitched (WHIP) during this stretch is the lowest in baseball’s modern era. To put it simply, his performance is absurdly good, as Braves manager Brian Snitker aptly described it.
What makes Iglesias stand out is his ability to consistently get the job done. In his past 36 appearances since his last blown save, he has a remarkable 1.17 ERA and has held opponents to a minuscule .097 batting average. These numbers solidify his place among the elite closers in the league.
Whit Merrifield, who faced Iglesias when he was an All-Star with the Kansas City Royals, attests to his dominance. Merrifield describes Iglesias as a shut-down closer with a commanding presence on the mound. Iglesias’s ability to attack hitters and pound the strike zone makes him a formidable force in crucial situations.
One of Iglesias’s unique strengths is his versatility as a pitcher. Unlike many closers who rely heavily on one dominant pitch, Iglesias utilizes three or four different pitches to keep hitters off balance. In his recent outing, he threw a mix of changeups, sliders, fastballs, and sinkers, demonstrating his ability to adapt and outsmart hitters.
Furthermore, Iglesias’s impact extends beyond his performance on the field. His teammates and manager recognize his selflessness and dedication to the team. Manager Brian Snitker praises Iglesias as one of the greatest team players he has ever been around. Iglesias’s willingness to go the extra mile for his teammates and leave it all out on the field is truly commendable.
It is worth noting that Iglesias’s remarkable season is not an anomaly. Throughout his career, he has amassed 218 saves, ranking him fifth among active pitchers. Since joining the Braves in 2022, he boasts an impressive 1.75 ERA in 136 appearances, surpassing all other pitchers in that period.
When the Braves made the decision to acquire Iglesias, skeptics questioned the trade, considering his previous struggles with the Angels. However, his performance since joining the Braves has silenced the doubters. The trade has proven to be a shrewd move, as Iglesias has become an integral part of the team’s success.
In conclusion, Raisel Iglesias may not receive the same recognition as other high-profile closers, but his numbers and impact on the game speak for themselves. His historic performance this season, coupled with his consistency and versatility, make him one of the best closers in baseball. As the Braves continue their pursuit of the NL East title, Iglesias’s contributions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their success.