Chicago Cubs Have Raisel Iglesias As One Of "Several Options" To Improve The Bullpen

[Matthew Lenz]

The Chicago Cubs will stop at nothing to improve their chances of winning the 2025 World Series. Currently in a battle with the Milwaukee Brewers for both the NL Central crown and best record in baseball, the Cubs reportedly are not leaving any prospect untouchable.

While they've been tied heavily to various bats and starting pitchers, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic is reporting that Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias “is one of several options under consideration” to improve the team's bullpen.

Iglesias has appeared in 43 games, pitching 40 2/3 innings with an ERA of 5.09, though his 4.23 FIP suggests the potential for some positive regression. This is backed by a strong 21.2% strikeout-minus-walk rate. He has recorded 11 saves this season. He would be a very good high-leverage option out of the bullpen that lacks top-end arm talent. Iglesias is set to be a free agent at season's end.

Given his struggles this year, do you think the Cubs should add Iglesias? Join the conversation in the comments!

View full rumor

[NorthsideAvenger]

Braves fans are itching at the bit to get rid of Iglesias.

[Bertz]

Love the idea of Iglesias.  He's been much better than his ERA, especially lately.  And given his bloated salary the prospect cost should be pretty minimal.

[Hot Sauce]

8 hours ago, NorthsideAvenger said:

Braves fans are itching at the bit to get rid of Iglesias.

He feels very “Héctor Rondón-y” and that makes me nervous.

Edited July 28, 2025 by Hot Sauce

[Stratos]

[Papa Cub]

Not sure I like it at all - our bullpen has been one of the best in MLB for a large part of the season. I would concentrate on addressing the starting pitching more than relief.

Palencia has served exceptionally well as a closer, Thielbar has been a rock, but even names like Brad Keller, Pomeranz, Braiser, and Presley, although have had some shaky performances lately, they have done a solid job throughout this season cleaning up and holding games for the Cubs. 
 

Again, I personally feel that addressing the starting pitching is much more important than relief at this point. All teams want upgraded, but you should focus on one area and get better there. Just my thoughts 

[TarzanJoeWallis]

26 minutes ago, Papa Cub said:

Not sure I like it at all - our bullpen has been one of the best in MLB for a large part of the season. I would concentrate on addressing the starting pitching more than relief.

Palencia has served exceptionally well as a closer, Thielbar has been a rock, but even names like Brad Keller, Pomeranz, Braiser, and Presley, although have had some shaky performances lately, they have done a solid job throughout this season cleaning up and holding games for the Cubs. 
 

Again, I personally feel that addressing the starting pitching is much more important than relief at this point. All teams want upgraded, but you should focus on one area and get better there. Just my thoughts 

Why can’t they focus and upgrade multiple areas? 

[Rcal10]

27 minutes ago, Papa Cub said:

Not sure I like it at all - our bullpen has been one of the best in MLB for a large part of the season. I would concentrate on addressing the starting pitching more than relief.

Palencia has served exceptionally well as a closer, Thielbar has been a rock, but even names like Brad Keller, Pomeranz, Braiser, and Presley, although have had some shaky performances lately, they have done a solid job throughout this season cleaning up and holding games for the Cubs. 
 

Again, I personally feel that addressing the starting pitching is much more important than relief at this point. All teams want upgraded, but you should focus on one area and get better there. Just my thoughts 

I have championed the pen for most of the year. But I do now see some warts. They need another pen arm. They have Flexen, who probably has run his course, as well as Kristie (or whatever his name is) that they can improve on. I am also not so confident in Pomoranz as I used to be. They can definitely add a pen arm. 

[Rcal10]

With the Braves now getting Carrasco could they be getting a few starters so that they can trade one at the deadline? Besides Iglesias what starter would be of interest to the Cubs? 

[Post Count Padder]

I would trade Caissie and Wiggins for Strider. Unlikely he's available though. 

[Rcal10]

Just now, Post Count Padder said:

I would trade Caissie and Wiggins for Strider. Unlikely he's available though. 

Cubs are said to be looking at controlled starters. . Strider and Iglesias🤷