On Thursday, Raisel Iglesias achieved a significant milestone by securing his eighth season with at least 20 saves in Major League Baseball. This accomplishment places him among an elite circle of Latin American relievers who have reached this benchmark over their careers, as highlighted by journalist Francys Romero.
The Cuban closer now stands alongside legendary figures in Latin baseball history: Mariano Rivera tops the list with 16 seasons of 20 or more saves (1997-2013), followed by Kenley Jansen with 13 (2012-2025), Aroldis Chapman with 11 (2012-2026), Francisco Rodríguez with 10 (2005-2016), and Roberto Hernández with nine (1993-2002).
Iglesias, whose eight seasons of 20+ saves span from 2017 to 2026, is tied for the sixth spot on that list with Francisco Cordero (2004-2011) and José Mesa (1995-2005), both key figures in MLB relief pitching history.
Romero aptly summarized the significance of Iglesias' achievement: "Beyond the numbers, Raisel has consistently proven to be synonymous with reliability throughout his MLB career."
Born on January 4, 1990, in Isla de la Juventud, Iglesias defected from Cuba in November 2013 and signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 2014 as an international free agent. He made his MLB debut on April 12, 2015, and has since played for three teams: the Reds (2015-2020), the Los Angeles Angels (2021-2022), and the Atlanta Braves, with whom he has been since 2023 after signing a one-year renewal for $16 million for the 2026 season.
This current season has been perhaps the most well-rounded of his career in several respects.
On April 27, he recorded his 100th save with the Braves, and in May, he surpassed 263 career saves, placing him 36th on MLB’s all-time saves list.
Moreover, he enjoyed a streak of 35 consecutive saves—the longest active streak in MLB at that time—stretching from July 28, 2025, until it was snapped by a Juan Soto home run on July 7, 2026, while playing against the New York Mets.
In July, Iglesias was selected for the first time to the MLB All-Star Game in 2026, an honor earned with outstanding stats: 17 saves in 17 opportunities and a 1.53 ERA at the time of the announcement.
Within the Cuban context, only Aroldis Chapman—with over 387 career saves—surpasses him in the league’s historical saves ranking.
With over 270 saves amassed and a level of consistency that has persisted for nearly a decade, Iglesias continues to build a legacy that positions him among the most dependable Latin American closers of recent generations.
Raisel Iglesias and His MLB Legacy
What milestone did Raisel Iglesias achieve in 2026?
In 2026, Raisel Iglesias achieved his eighth season with at least 20 saves in MLB, joining an elite group of Latin relievers with this accomplishment.
Which teams has Raisel Iglesias played for in his MLB career?
Raisel Iglesias has played for the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, and currently the Atlanta Braves.
How does Raisel Iglesias compare to other Cuban closers in MLB history?
In terms of career saves, only Aroldis Chapman surpasses Raisel Iglesias among Cuban closers in MLB history.