Coming back from a 3-2 deficit in this year’s World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games to secure their second consecutive championship. Yet, as the team eyes a historic three-peat, one area of concern remains: the bullpen.
Iglesias Emerges as a Target
The Dodgers are reportedly among several teams showing interest in veteran closer Raisel Iglesias, according to baseball insider Francys Romero via X (formerly Twitter). “The Dodgers are among the teams interested in signing Raisel Iglesias, per sources,” Romero reported Thursday.
Adding Iglesias to a bullpen already stocked with veteran arms is a compelling option. Rookie sensation Roki Sasaki reclaimed closing duties upon returning from the IL, while lefty Tanner Scott saved 23 games in 2025 but posted a 4.74 ERA, highlighting inconsistency. Iglesias, a proven postseason performer, could bring stability to a corps that proved vulnerable during key playoff moments.
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A Career of Experience
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Iglesias, who will turn 36 in January, has closed games for the Angels and Braves over the past several seasons. He spent part of 2021 and 2022 in Los Angeles with the Angels before being traded to Atlanta, where he pitched the last three and a half years. “Will the Dodgers sign Iglesias, or bring in another option to bolster their pen?” Romero asked, noting the early activity on the relief market at GM meetings.
Despite a rocky start to 2025 — allowing seven home runs through his first 24 innings and posting a 6.75 ERA — Iglesias rebounded spectacularly. Over his final 43 1/3 innings, he posted a 1.25 ERA, struck out 30.4% of batters, and allowed just one home run after June 9. His final season stats — 3.21 ERA, 27.4% strikeout rate, 6% walk rate — remain in line with career norms, underscoring his effectiveness.
Strengthening for a Three-Peat
A thin bullpen nearly derailed the Dodgers in the World Series. Injuries to Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, Brock Stewart, and Tanner Scott forced reliance on Sasaki and Alex Vesia, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto carried the final postseason load. With Iglesias, the Dodgers could fortify their relief corps early in the offseason, setting the stage for a repeat run.
Other bullpen options, like Devin Williams, are also on the radar, but Iglesias’ experience and proven track record make him a likely first move. For a team chasing its tenth title, adding a reliable closer could be the difference between a championship and a near miss.