The Atlanta Braves have bolstered their bullpen with the addition of right-handed reliever Robert Suarez, who has signed a three-year, $45 million contract. Suarez, a former San Diego Padres closer, will serve as a setup man and backup to Raisel Iglesias, the Braves' closer for the past four seasons. Iglesias was recently re-signed to a one-year, $16 million contract.
Suarez, a hard-throwing late bloomer, is 35 years old and had a stellar 2024 season, logging his second consecutive All-Star Game appearance and leading the National League with 40 saves. His impressive performance has continued into 2025, with 76 saves since the start of the year, making him an elite closer.
The Braves' strategy is to have an elite closer in each game, ensuring they can maintain a strong winning streak or provide a reliable option when Iglesias needs a day off. Suarez's journey began in the Mexican League before he made a successful jump to Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, where he established himself as a valuable reliever and later as a shutdown closer for the Hanshin Tigers.
Suarez's contract, projected to earn him $54 million over three years, reflects his exceptional skills. His upper-90s velocity, occasionally reaching 101 mph, and above-average command have earned him a second, more lucrative deal with San Diego, worth five years and $46 million. Suarez's pitching repertoire primarily consists of his four-seamer and sinker, with a slight reduction in reliance on these pitches in 2025.
However, Suarez's fastball-heavy approach has a drawback. His lack of a consistent breaking pitch can make his appearances unpredictable. Despite his heavy heater, Suarez has consistently ranked below league average in whiff percentage. In 2025, he allowed a career-high 42.6 percent hard-hit rate, indicating the need for a more balanced pitching strategy.
Suarez's contract for 2026 is $13 million, with $16 million each for 2027 and 2028, and no deferred payments. The Braves' decision to increase his salary could signal a potential transition to the primary closer role if Iglesias is not re-signed after the next season.
