Breaking Free Agent Signing: Robert Suarez Heads East With $45M deal

The top remaining closer on the free agent market is now off the board. Former San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez has signed a three year, $45 million contract with the Atlanta Braves.

Reliever Robert Suarez and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a three-year, $45 million deal, league source confirms. @JeffPassan first.
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) December 11, 2025

It’s a somewhat surprising move for Suarez, who joins a team that already has a closer in Raisel Iglesias. The Braves say that Suarez will serve as a setup man and back up 9th inning duties. Iglesias is only signed for one year, however, laying the pathway for the newest member of the Atlanta bullpen to move into the closer role in 2027.

Suarez led the NL in saves in 2025 with 40, and had 36 the year before, in two All-Star seasons. He began his major league career late, at the age of 31, and will be 35 by the time Opening Day rolls around.

He spent the first six seasons of his professional career in Mexico and Japan, then came to North America and was signed by the Padres in December 2021.

Suarez has a career 2.91 ERA with 77 saves over his four MLB seasons. He's also performed well in the playoffs, with 12 appearances, the hard-and a 2.45 ERA with three saves.