5 Shocking Reasons Why Raisel Iglesias Is A Braves Waiver Candidate Despite His Elite Closer Status

The rumor mill is churning aggressively this December 10, 2025, with whispers that All-Star closer Raisel Iglesias could surprisingly be placed on waivers by the Atlanta Braves. This speculation has sent shockwaves across Major League Baseball (MLB), as Iglesias remains one of the game's most dominant high-leverage relievers, coming off a spectacular run of performance in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The idea of a top-tier closer being available for free has every General Manager on high alert.

The core of the issue, however, is not a dip in performance, but a complex financial calculation tied directly to the Braves’ burgeoning payroll and the escalating MLB luxury tax thresholds. With a high-value, one-year contract for the upcoming 2026 season, Iglesias represents a major financial decision point for a Braves team trying to balance elite talent with fiscal responsibility. Understanding the waiver candidate discussion requires a deep dive into his contract, the team’s payroll strategy, and the current market for high-salary relievers.

Raisel Iglesias: Full Biography and Career Snapshot

Raisel Enrique Iglesias, known by the nickname "Oliver," has established himself as one of the most reliable ninth-inning arms in baseball since his debut. His journey from Cuba to the pinnacle of MLB closing is a testament to his elite talent and dedication.

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• Full Name: Raisel Enrique Iglesias
• Nickname: Oliver
• Born: January 4, 1990
• Birthplace: Isla de la Juventud, Cuba
• Position: Pitcher (Closer/Relief)
• Bats/Throws: Right/Right
• Height/Weight: 6' 2" / 190 lbs (188 cm, 86 kg)
• MLB Debut: April 12, 2015
• Key Teams: Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves
• Career Highlights: Multiple seasons with 30+ saves, including a 33-save campaign in 2024, consistently ranking among the league leaders in WHIP and K/9 for closers.

Iglesias was acquired by the Braves in a high-profile trade, solidifying the back end of their bullpen. His performance has been stellar, including a 1.95 ERA in the 2024 season and a 29-save year in 2025, proving his value as an elite, high-leverage asset.

The $16 Million Question: Why Iglesias is a Waiver Candidate Despite Elite Performance

The term "waiver candidate" for Iglesias is less about his on-field ability and more about his significant one-year contract for the 2026 season. The Atlanta Braves re-signed their veteran closer to a one-year, $16 million deal, a high average annual value (AAV) that carries substantial luxury tax implications.

1. The Luxury Tax Threshold Problem

The primary driver behind the speculation is the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT), commonly known as the luxury tax. The CBT threshold for the 2026 season is set at $244 million. The Braves, with a core group of stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley locked into long-term deals, are already projected to have a guaranteed payroll exceeding $151.5 million for 2026. Adding Iglesias's $16 million AAV pushes the total payroll closer to the CBT limit. If the Braves cross the threshold for a third consecutive year, they face escalating tax rates, potentially paying a 50% tax on every dollar spent over the limit.

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2. Shedding Salary to Create Flexibility

Placing a high-salary player like Iglesias on waivers allows the team to potentially shed his entire $16 million salary for the 2026 season. If another MLB team claims him, they assume the full financial responsibility of the contract. This move would provide the Braves with massive financial flexibility, allowing them to pursue other high-profile free agents or make critical in-season trades without incurring substantial luxury tax penalties. This is a classic "salary dump" scenario, even for a valuable player.

3. The Unique Nature of the Waiver Process

In MLB, the outright waiver process allows a team to remove a player from the 40-man roster. For high-salary players, it’s a gamble. If a player is claimed, the claiming team takes on the contract. If he goes unclaimed, the original team (the Braves) can outright him to the minor leagues (which he could refuse) or release him, making him a free agent who can sign for the league minimum elsewhere. The risk is that a rival team could gain an elite closer for free, but the reward is $16 million in payroll relief.

Trade or Keep? The Braves' 2026 Bullpen Depth and Financial Strategy

The "waiver candidate" discussion is often a precursor to a potential trade. Braves President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos has a history of strategic, high-leverage moves. The decision to keep, trade, or waive Iglesias hinges on the team's confidence in their internal bullpen options and their overall financial plan for 2026.

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The Bullpen Depth Chart Alternatives

While Iglesias is the undisputed closer, the Braves have a strong bullpen core that could potentially fill the ninth-inning role, albeit with a slight drop-off in certainty. The 2026 bullpen depth chart includes several high-quality arms ready to step up:

• Joe Jimenez: A former All-Star, Jimenez has experience in high-leverage roles, including setup duty. He is a prime candidate to take over the closer role if Iglesias departs.
• Aaron Bummer: A left-handed specialist who can handle late-inning pressure, Bummer is a critical bridge to the ninth.
• Dylan Lee & Joel Payamps: Both pitchers have proven capable in setup and middle-relief roles, providing the depth necessary to absorb the loss of an elite closer through committee.

The presence of these established relievers gives the front office the necessary leverage to consider moving Iglesias. The team is confident that their bullpen structure, a key organizational strength, can withstand the shift.

The Trade Value Factor

A trade is the most likely scenario that would pre-empt a waiver claim. Because Iglesias's $16 million contract is for only one year, his trade value is high for a contending team that needs an elite, short-term closer without a long-term commitment. The Braves could demand a significant return—perhaps a controllable young starting pitcher or a top position player prospect—in exchange for taking on the full salary. This would be a win-win: payroll relief for the Braves and a top closer for the acquiring team.

Ultimately, the "Raisel Iglesias waiver candidate" narrative is a high-stakes game of financial chess. The Braves are signaling their willingness to part with a star player to preserve long-term financial health and avoid crippling luxury tax penalties. Whether through a trade or a dramatic waiver claim, Iglesias's $16 million contract makes him the most fascinating piece of the Braves’ 2026 offseason strategy. The decision will define the look of the Atlanta bullpen for the upcoming season and potentially impact the team's ability to make major moves for years to come.