A veteran closer’s bold refusal of the Dodgers’ $16 million contract has triggered a league-wide frenzy over his next move.NL
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed a closer last offseason, but are reportedly back in the market for a leverage reliever. Tanner Scott was not great in his first season with the team.
According to MLB insider Francys Romero, the Los Angeles Dodgers made an offer of around $16 million to Raisel Iglesias, but the veteran closer chose to sign a one-year, $16 million deal with the Atlanta Braves.
Romero also noted that the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles had interest in Iglesias. However, in the end, Atlanta holds on to their closer, despite a down season. He had a 3.21 ERA in 70 games last season. He recorded 29 saves and had a great second half of the season. He had a 1.76 ERA in the second half and notched 18 saves.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 27: Raisel Iglesias #26 of the Atlanta Braves smiles in disbelief after a call in the ninth inning of a game against the …
Even though he was not his sharpest throughout the year, he still had a better year than Scott, who the Dodgers gave a four-year, $72 million deal last winter. Scott led the team in saves, but had a 4.74 ERA. He did not look like the All-Star he was in 2024 and did not pitch in the postseason.
With Rōki Sasaki expected to get another shot at being a starter next year, Scott will presumably take on the closer role again. However, the Dodgers’ interest in Iglesias indicates that they may be looking at other options to close games.
