"A major thing that changed in 2025 for Iglesias was less reliance on his slider and changeup, going from 52% of pitches he threw in 2024 to 38% in 2025. Both pitches were notably less effective by Baseball Savant's run value number, which puts a run value on every occurrence of throwing a pitch based on its outcome, collectively going from +13 runs in 2024 to -10 runs in 2025."
"He spent the first six seasons of his pro career with the Cincinnati Reds, who signed the Cuban-born righty in June of 2014 as an international free agent. He made his pro debut in 2015 and starred for the Reds before leaving in free agency for the Los Angeles Angels in 2021, when he received a four-year, $58 million deal and finished 11th in AL Cy Young Award voting."
Raisel Iglesias, 35, agreed to a one-year, $16 million deal to return to the Atlanta Braves as their closer. His ERA rose to 3.21 in 2025 after a 1.95 ERA in 2024, following four strong seasons in Atlanta that produced 97 saves, a 15-12 record and a 2.35 ERA. Iglesias reduced his slider and changeup usage from 52% in 2024 to 38% in 2025, coinciding with those pitches' run value falling from +13 runs to -10 runs. Since 2017 he ranks third among relievers in WAR (11.8) and second in saves (247). He began with the Reds, signed in 2014, moved to the Angels on a four-year, $58 million contract in 2021, and was traded to the Braves at the 2022 deadline.
Read at ESPN.com
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