3 Braves players who’ll be better in 2023, and 2 who won’t

By Tim Boyle | Feb 9, 2023

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Eddie Rosario #8 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after getting out against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Raisel Iglesias raised the bar too high for himself that he can’t possibly be as good in 2023 with the Atlanta Braves. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Why relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias will not have a better year in 2023

With Raisel Iglesias, his decline from 2023 is purely out of respect to how awesome he was with the Braves. After coming over from the Los Angeles Angels, Iglesias gave them 26.1 innings and only a single earned run allowed. His 0.34 ERA is unattainable throughout a full year.

Even if we do include his Angels numbers, expecting Iglesias to have a 2.47 ERA for the year is a slight reach. He’s moving back to the closer role where he has, at times, struggled.

Iglesias should be a good arm for the Braves in the ninth inning. He just won’t be quite as elite as he was last season, Angels totals included. The only sample of weakness fans experienced from him was in the postseason when he actually did give up an earned run to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Something closer to his career numbers but slightly better is what Braves fans should have in their mind’s projections. Iglesias will begin the year with a lifetime 3.00 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 10.9 strikeouts per 9 innings of work. All of these are fantastic totals. Iglesias can easily top them.

And still, even if he does, it won’t be quite as impressive as he was for his first 28 games with the Braves.

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