The Braves have already re-signed their closer Raisel Iglesias this offseason, and now they’ve added Robert Suarez to join him on a bullpen that leads the National League in saves. Suarez, a two-time All-Star with the Padres, signed a three-year, $45 million deal with Atlanta as the team aims to rebound from a disappointing fourth-place finish in 2025. Last season, Suarez tallied 40 saves in the NL and led MLB with 76 saves over the past two years. In 2026, he’ll likely serve as a setup man for Iglesias, who returned on a one-year contract, potentially stepping into the closer role in Suarez’s final two contract years. The bullpen was a weak spot in Atlanta’s tough 2025 season, ranking 19th in both ERA and strikeouts, but now boasts one of the most formidable late-inning tandems in baseball. Suarez’s fastball averaged 98.6 mph last year, and he limited opponents to a .155 batting average with 52 strikeouts.
Suarez’s journey to MLB success is notable, as he debuted in the majors at age 31 after playing professionally in Mexico and Japan. Now in his mid-30s, he showed his highest strikeout rate in three years in 2025 despite facing harder hitters. The reliever market has been active, with Edwin Diaz recently signing with the , leaving few top-tier options available. Other relievers like Pete Fairbanks, Luke Weaver, and Brad Keller remain valuable targets for teams including the Blue Jays, Mets, Yankees, Rangers, and Diamondbacks.
The Braves, having declined options on relievers Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley last November, have reshaped their bullpen significantly. They’ve also bolstered their outfield by acquiring Mike Yastrzemski to join Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, and Jurickson Profar. Now, the Braves are likely to focus on strengthening their rotation after a season plagued by injuries. After a tough year, they are positioning themselves to make a strong comeback over the next few seasons.
Meanwhile, the Padres face a pitching overhaul with Suarez departing for Atlanta, Dylan Schiess heading to Toronto, Michael King entering free agency, and Yu Darvish sidelined for 2026 due to elbow surgery. Nick Pivetta is expected to lead their rotation, but rebuilding will be key despite Joe Musgrove’s return from surgery. The Padres plan to keep Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon in the bullpen to maintain its strength, but they urgently need starting pitchers. With financial room after recent free agent losses, much of the rebuilding may come through trades, especially since ownership is looking to sell, and the farm system has been depleted from prior acquisitions.
Fan Take: This move significantly strengthens the Braves’ late-game pitching and could mark a turning point in their bid to regain dominance in the National League. For baseball fans, it highlights the shifting power dynamics in MLB bullpens and underscores how strategic signings can reshape a team’s prospects for years to come.
