Braves’ Postseason Streak in Jeopardy Amid Bullpen Struggles
The Atlanta Braves, once seen as perennial contenders, are facing a turbulent 2025 season. The 2021 World Series champions, who have made seven consecutive playoff appearances, now find themselves in serious danger of missing October baseball.
At the season’s midpoint, Atlanta is stuck in third place in the NL East—10.5 games behind the first-place Phillies—a far cry from their usual dominance.
While several issues have contributed to the Braves’ underwhelming campaign, one glaring weakness stands out: the back end of the bullpen.
Iglesias’ Decline Highlights Need for Change
Manager Brian Snitker has continued to rely on veteran closer Raisel Iglesias, but the 35-year-old has struggled with consistency in 2025.
After notching 34 saves last season and 33 the year before, with just four blown saves each year, Iglesias has managed only nine saves so far this season—already matching his blown save total from those previous full campaigns. His four-year, $58 million contract expires after this season, and the Braves appear ready to move on.
Proposed Trade Brings MLB’s Hardest Thrower to Atlanta
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller recently suggested a blockbuster trade that could dramatically upgrade the Braves’ bullpen—not just for the remainder of this season, but well beyond.
The deal would bring in Mason Miller, the flame-throwing 26-year-old closer from the Oakland Athletics. Despite Oakland’s struggles (34–52 before Monday’s games), Miller has emerged as one of the most electric relievers in the league, already tallying 15 saves.
Since converting from starter to reliever last season, Miller has been virtually untouchable. According to Statcast, his four-seam fastball averages 100.8 mph, the fastest in baseball. His top velocity? A jaw-dropping 103.6 mph, recorded during last year’s All-Star Game.
By contrast, Iglesias’ four-seamer averages just 94.5 mph, ranking 160th among MLB pitchers.
Why the A’s Might Listen
While the idea of trading Miller—who’s under team control through 2029—may sound outrageous, the proposal makes some sense for a rebuilding club.
Bleacher Report argues that Oakland might benefit from turning Miller’s limited high-leverage innings into multiple young arms who can bolster their rotation and bullpen depth over the long term.
“Swapping 70 elite innings for two potential starters and a credible future closer could be a smart long-term move,” Miller writes.
What the Braves Would Give Up
The suggested package includes three promising pitchers from the Braves’ farm system, all ranked within their top 20 prospects:
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Drue Hackenburg (No. 4): A 23-year-old righty at Double-A, Hackenburg has flashed strong strikeout potential while inducing ground balls. His fastball touches 97 mph, per MLB Pipeline.
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Lucas Braun (No. 9): Another Double-A right-hander with impressive command. Braun’s ability to throw any pitch for strikes—67% strike rate in 2024—makes him an appealing, efficient starter-in-the-making.
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Rolddy Muñoz (No. 20): Currently in Triple-A, Muñoz throws in the upper 90s and has reached triple digits. Though he’s battled command issues, his high-octane stuff projects well in late-inning roles.
A Risky Deal — But One That Makes Sense for Both Sides
This proposed trade would be a bold move for Atlanta—but one that could instantly solidify the back end of its bullpen during a season where every win matters.
For Oakland, it offers a chance to stockpile controllable arms and pivot toward future contention.
Whether or not it happens, the message is clear: If the Braves want to save their season, they’ll need more than just power bats—they’ll need power arms, too.
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