The New York Yankees enter the offseason knowing their bullpen requires meaningful reinforcement if they hope to contend for another deep playoff run.
While general manager Brian Cashman has historically avoided long-term commitments to high-leverage relievers, analysts have begun floating Atlanta Braves right-hander Raisel Iglesias as a realistic target who could stabilize the late innings without forcing a major financial overhaul.
Phillip Martinez of SNY recently highlighted the ongoing need for bullpen shuffling and specifically named the 36-year-old Iglesias as a fallback option.
“Cashman doesn’t usually give out big contracts to closers, but a qualifying offer for one season would help if he accepts,” Martinez wrote.
“If Bednar doesn’t, then Cashman needs to buck the trend and lock down the right-hander to a multi-year deal to ensure the Yanks have the closer they can trust and know can handle the big city. If a deal cannot be made, the New York needs to pursue other options like Raisel Iglesias.”
Iglesias, who made $16 million this season, finished the 2026 campaign with a 2.55 ERA and 64 strikeouts across 60 innings in 59 appearances, walking just 17 batters.
Those numbers earned him All-Star recognition and demonstrated he remains capable of handling high-leverage work despite no longer being in his physical prime.
His track record as a closer and setup man has already drawn interest from other clubs, including AL East rival the Toronto Blue Jays, meaning the Yankees would need to move deliberately if they decide to engage.
Any pursuit would also have to account for Atlanta’s interest in retaining him.
FanSided’s Eric Cole noted that a return remains possible under the right circumstances.
“If Iglesias wants to give the Braves a significant discount in order to come back, then Atlanta would be silly not to entertain the idea,” Cole stated.
“While Iglesias is no longer in his prime, he did post a 2.55 ERA and 3.17 FIP in 59 appearances for the Braves in 2026. To call him washed up would be factually inaccurate, and odds are good Iglesias would be a very productive member of the Braves’ bullpen if he did come back.”
Iglesias’s market status is still fluid, and nothing indicates the Yankees have begun formal discussions. Even so, the broader need for reliable relief depth is clear.
Whether the club ultimately targets the Braves veteran, prioritizes a different free agent, or works internally to re-sign existing options, addressing the bullpen stands as one of the more pressing tasks on Cashman’s winter agenda.
