The Atlanta Braves have signed closer Robert Suarez to a three-year, $45 million contract, the team announced Thursday. Suarez led the National League with 40 saves in 45 chances this past season and becomes a late-inning addition alongside incumbent closer Raisel Iglesias.
The 34-year-old right-hander became a free agent in early November after opting out of $8 million options for 2026 and 2027 with the San Diego Padres. His decision to decline those options proved financially beneficial.
Suarez established himself as one of baseball\'s elite closers over the past two seasons with the Padres. He saved a major-league-leading 76 games during that span while posting a 2.87 ERA and earning two All-Star selections.
Last season, Suarez struck out 75 batters in 69⅔ innings while maintaining a career-low 5.9% walk rate. His fastball still averaged 98.6 mph despite entering his age-34 season.
International Path to MLB Success
The Venezuela native took an unconventional route to Major League Baseball. Suarez played professionally in Mexico before spending five seasons pitching in Japan.
His dominant performances for the Hanshin Tigers in 2020 and 2021 attracted the Padres\' attention. He initially signed a one-year, $6 million contract with San Diego before earning a more lucrative extension that paid him $30 million from 2023 to 2025.
Suarez will join Iglesias in forming a formidable late-inning duo for the Braves. Iglesias, who recorded 29 saves in 34 chances last season, re-signed with Atlanta on a one-year, $16 million contract last month.
The addition provides the Braves with flexibility and depth at the closer position heading into 2026.
Via ESPN