Raisel Iglesias Bio
Raisel Enrique Iglesias (born January 4, 1990) is a Cuban professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Angels. He signed with the Reds as an international free agent in 2014 after defecting from Cuba. Iglesias has established himself as a reliable closer, known for his strong performances and ability to secure saves for his teams throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Raisel Iglesias was born in Cuba, where he began his baseball journey at a young age. He played for the Piratas de Isla de la Juventud in the Cuban National Series, showcasing his talent as a pitcher. Iglesias also represented Cuba in international competitions, including the 2013 World Baseball Classic and the World Port Tournament. His early exposure to competitive baseball laid the foundation for his future success in the sport.
Path to Baseball
In September 2013, Iglesias attempted to defect from Cuba, a journey that involved hiding in the mountains of Isla de la Juventud. After being caught and detained, he successfully defected in November 2013. Following his defection, Iglesias established residency in Haiti before holding an open tryout in Mexico. His impressive performance during the tryout led to his signing with the Cincinnati Reds in June 2014.
Raisel Iglesias Career
Early Career (2015-2020)
Iglesias made his MLB debut on April 12, 2015, after being added to the Reds’ 40-man roster. He started the season in the Reds’ Opening Day starting rotation but faced challenges, including injuries that limited him to 18 games in his rookie season. Despite these setbacks, he recorded 104 strikeouts and began to establish himself as a valuable asset for the team. In 2019, Iglesias achieved career highs in saves (34) and appearances (68), solidifying his role as the Reds’ closer.
Breakthrough (2021-2022)
On December 7, 2020, Iglesias was traded to the Los Angeles Angels, where he continued to excel as a closer. In July 2021, he was named the American League Reliever of the Month. Iglesias finished the 2021 season with a 2.57 ERA, 103 strikeouts, and 34 saves, tying his career high. His performance earned him a four-year, $58 million contract with the Angels in December 2021. On August 2, 2022, Iglesias was traded to the Atlanta Braves, where he quickly made an impact, finishing the 2022 season with a 2.47 ERA and 17 saves.
Notable Works and Milestones
Iglesias recorded his 250th career save on September 16, 2025, marking a significant milestone in his career. His consistent performance and ability to close out games have made him a key player for the Braves.
Raisel Iglesias Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Raisel Iglesias has been recognized for his exceptional talent and contributions to the game, earning nominations for various awards, particularly in recognition of his performances as a closer.
Raisel Iglesias Awards Won
Iglesias has achieved notable success in his career, including multiple awards for his performances as a relief pitcher. His dedication and skill have made him a respected figure in Major League Baseball.
Raisel Iglesias Family
Raisel Iglesias has a son named Lenox Iglesias, who was born during the 2018 MLB season. While details about his family life are limited, his role as a father is an important aspect of his personal life.
Personal Life
Iglesias’s journey from Cuba to Major League Baseball is a testament to his determination and resilience. His experiences have shaped him both as a player and as an individual, and he continues to make an impact on and off the field.