The Atlanta Braves are still one of the most silent contenders in all of baseball after having two straight disappointing ends to their season. They have one of the most talented rosters out there.

They are being forgotten as a contender in 2026, with the bigger markets getting most of the attention. The Braves are currently a sleeping giant in baseball that could easily have the best record next season, and they are an afterthought.

The roster may be talented, but they are set to lose some key contributors, while the rest of the roster isn’t getting younger. They will need to add talent and replace players at key positions.

The Braves have the lineup to contend with anyone. What they need to focus on this offseason is to solidify their starting rotation and put the best bullpen out there that they can.

With their closer, Raisel Iglesias, set to hit free agency, they must not only replace him but also grab someone better. That is why the Atlanta Braves will sign Edwin Diaz to be their new closer.

*THIS IS A PREDICTION, NOT A REPORT*

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Edwin Diaz Will Sign With The Atlanta Braves 

The end of the New York Mets season has put a sour taste in the mouths of some Mets players who have been there through the ups and downs under their new owner, Steve Cohen.

Pete Alonso was quick to opt out, and Diaz followed suit shortly after. Diaz just won the Trevor Hoffman reliever of the year in 2025, making it his third in total. His second in the National League while with the Mets, his first being in 2022.

Diaz has been an outstanding closer, amassing 253 saves in his nine-year career with the Seattle Mariners and Mets, and just earned his third All-Star nod in 2025.

With Diaz entering free agency as one of the best closers in the game and not slowing down anytime, every team will be gauging the cost of signing Diaz to their bullpen.

The Atlanta Braves just happen to have an opening on their roster. Raisel Iglesias also has 253 saves over 11 seasons and has been with the Atlanta Braves since they traded for him in 2022.

This would be a chance for the Braves to get a higher upside closer and someone four years younger. The Braves can not sit still and just think that because they will be healthier in 2026, they will have a better season.

They must look for improvement and get younger, and that’s exactly what an Edwin Diaz signing would be.

What Is Edwin Diaz’s Value?

Edwin Diaz could be signing his last long-term contract of his career at the height of his career after another strong season. With plenty of people wanting to add a great closer to their bullpen, Diaz should have some leverage in negotiations.

Spotrac.com has Diaz projected at a four-year, $73 million deal that would put his annual average salary at $18.3 million, setting him up for life.

That would project to be more than his $68 million career earnings over his first nine seasons in the league. With several teams not having a definitive closer, that could raise the cost.

The Dodgers were one of those teams whose biggest weakness all season and playoffs was their bullpen. If the Dodgers get involved in a bidding war, Diaz could be making a whole lot more money.

The Atlanta Braves are a dark horse candidate that everyone has forgotten about. The Braves must make a statement this offseason by signing big talent and reminding everyone what they are all about, and that should start by beating everyone out and signing Edwin Diaz.