Still, it’s not like Iglesias is going to break the bank, and with Emilio Pagán hitting free agency, the Reds need a new closer. Why not give their old one a call?
Texas Rangers
Reunions are fun, but I suppose I should probably consider the possibility that Iglesias won’t re-sign with one of his former teams.
Unlike the Angels and Reds, the Rangers aren’t losing their closer to free agency – but that’s only because they never really had a closer in 2025. They are, however, losing Chris Martin, Phil Maton, Shawn Armstrong, Danny Coulombe, and Hoby Milner, so it’s safe to presume Texas will be active in the relief market once again this winter.
In theory, the fit here is clear as day, but ultimately, it will depend on whether the Rangers want to follow their blueprint from last year (add a bunch of cheaper guys and go with a closer-by-committee) or change things up and add a Closer with a capital C.
Athletics
The Athletics’ bullpen was shockingly effective without Mason Miller, posting a 2.99 ERA – the second best in baseball – post-trade deadline. However, a lot of that success was thanks to a dominant showing from soon-to-be free agent Sean Newcomb.
This team still has some promising arms in the ‘pen for next year, but overall, it’s a highly inexperienced group. A Proven Closer™ would make a big difference, and if the A’s are serious about building a contender around their exciting offensive core, a big addition for the bullpen should be near the top of their offseason shopping list.