Los Angeles Angels Bring Back Top Closer

The Los Angeles Angels have re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias to a four-year, $58 million contract.

Closer Raisel Iglesias and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a four-year contract, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN. Iglesias, 31, had turned down the qualifying offer from the Angels but ends up back in Anaheim. First with the news was @Ken_Rosenthal.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 1, 2021

Iglesias was viewed as the top relief pitcher on the market, so naturally, he had a lot of teams interested in his services. Yet, the Angels have won the Iglesias sweepstakes and they are keeping the 31-year-old around. 

It isn't all too common to see relief pitchers get four-year contracts, but Iglesias very well could end up being worth the gamble. During the 2021 season, his first with the Angels, he had a 7-5 record, 2.57 ERA and 103 strikeouts. With that, he was also named to the All-MLB Second Team. 

Over the course of his seven-year MLB career, Iglesias has a 25-37 record, 3.06 ERA and 582 strikeouts in 339 appearances.

The Angels are continuing to stay busy this offseason, as they are hoping to finally get back into the playoffs. Bringing back Iglesias is another step in the right direction to do so. 

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