The Atlanta Braves and reliever Robert Suarez are closing in on a three-year, $45 million contract. ESPN’s Jeff Passan was first on the news. Suarez, one of the top relievers on the market, goes to a team looking to add payroll this offseason.
Report: Braves Sign Robert Suarez to Three-Year Deal
BREAKING: Closer Robert Suarez and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a three-year, $45 million contract, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2025
Suarez opted out of the final two years of his contract with the San Diego Padres, and he became a free agent. He is coming off a strong 2025 season. He posted a 2.97 ERA in 70 appearances with 75 strikeouts and an excellent 0.904 WHIP over 69 2/3 innings pitched. But in 2024, his performance was even stronger, recording a 2.77 ERA and 36 saves in 65 appearances with a 1.046 WHIP.
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Braves Role
This signing is notable because the Braves’ bullpen appeared to be an area needing attention. It came to the fore during the 2025 season, when they missed the playoffs with a 76-86 record. Raisel Iglesias, who re-signed with the Braves in November, will remain the team’s closer. This allows Suarez, who led the National League with 40 saves in 2025 when in San Diego, to set up in the eighth inning. Atlanta’s bullpen generally featured relievers like Daysbel Hernández, who had a 2.50 ERA in 2024. With late-inning struggles in 2025, the Braves highlighted the need to shore up the bullpen. They’ve done just that with Suarez’s consistent track record and experience. This includes leading the NL in saves in 2025.
Atlanta seems to be making a super bullpen. With starters Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Spencer Strider all hoping to return from injury, Atlanta is assembling one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. The Braves will now likely shift their focus to their offense. They are aiming to find a shortstop, among other needs.
The Braves have now signed two of the highest-leverage relievers on the market. They will now start their quest to return to the postseason. With the powerhouse Philadelphia Phillies, megastar New York Mets, and up-and-coming Miami Marlins, the NL East is shaping up to be a bloodbath in 2026.
Main Photo Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
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