Are the Toronto Blue Jays about to make a game-changing move in the bullpen? Rumors are swirling that they’re eyeing free agent closer Raisel Iglesias, and this could be the missing piece they need for a late-game lockdown. But here’s where it gets interesting: they’re not the only ones. According to Francys Romero, the Blue Jays are among the teams showing serious interest in Iglesias, a move that makes perfect sense given their recent hunt for a high-leverage reliever. And this isn’t their only big play—they’ve also been linked to Edwin Díaz, one of the top names in the relief market. So, what’s the deal with Iglesias? Let’s break it down.
At 36, Iglesias is still one of MLB’s most reliable relievers. The Cuban-born right-hander posted a solid 3.21 ERA over 67 1/3 innings with the Braves last season, converting 29 of 34 save opportunities—just shy of his sixth 30-save season. His strikeout rate remained impressive at 27.4%, and he kept walks to a minimum (6%). Iglesias also generated swinging strikes nearly 15% of the time, proving he can still dominate batters. But here’s the part most people miss: while 2025 was statistically his weakest year since 2019, it’s largely due to an early-season home run surge. After giving up seven longballs by May, he turned things around, posting a stellar 1.96 ERA over the final four months. In his last 174 plate appearances, opponents hit just .163/.224/.219 with only one home run.
For the Blue Jays, signing Iglesias could be a strategic win. General manager Ross Atkins has hinted that Jeff Hoffman might not remain the go-to ninth-inning option, and Iglesias’ arrival would allow Hoffman to shine as a multi-inning reliever earlier in games. While Hoffman’s 15 home runs allowed this season raise concerns, Iglesias’ longball issues are less severe, making him a more stable option. However, his age limits him to a likely two-year deal, and he’ll command a hefty eight-figure salary. The Braves struggled to trade him at $16MM last summer, but his strong finish—allowing just one run in 23 2/3 innings post-deadline—could boost his market value. MLBTR predicts a two-year, $13MM annual deal, but a one-year pact could fetch him closer to his current salary.
The Dodgers are the only other team publicly linked to Iglesias, though the Braves may still be in the mix despite focusing on shortstop and rotation upgrades. If Iglesias receives a strong two-year offer soon, he might sign elsewhere before Atlanta shifts its attention to the bullpen. But here’s the controversial question: Is Iglesias worth the price tag at 36, or are teams better off investing in younger, less expensive options? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
