Cincinnati Reds: Top 3 pitchers to replace Raisel Iglesias as the new closer

With Raisel Iglesias off to Los Angeles, who should be the Reds new closer?

The Cincinnati Reds swung a deal with the Los Angeles Angels yesterday that sent pitcher Raisel Iglesias off to LA in exchange for right-hander Noé Ramirez and cash. Someone, most likely from within the organization, will have to replace Iggy as the team’s closer in 2021. Who should that be?

Iglesias has received a lot of flack from Reds Country in recent years. The right-hander was hung with 12 losses in 2019, the most ever by a Cincinnati reliever. Last season, while his numbers were much improved, the fanbase collectively held their breath when the bullpen doors opened and Iglesias stepped onto the warning track on his way to the mound.

Raisel Iglesias was owed $9.125M for the upcoming season, and with the Reds looking to cut payroll, it should come as no surprise that Iggy was dealt. In return, Cincinnati received a 30-year-old reliever who’s under team control for the foreseeable future. However, Ramirez’s track record is nowhere near that of Iglesias.

With Nick Krall and the Cincinnati Reds front office now looking to fill Iggy’s role as the team’s closer, where might they turn? There’s no shortage of options throughout the organization, but three players come to mind as the best replacements for Iglesias. Let’s take a look at the three best options to take over closing duties next season for the Reds.