The Atlanta Braves announced Thursday that they have signed closer to a three-year deal worth $45 million. He topped the National League this season with 40 saves in 45 opportunities, became a free agent in early November after declining $8 million options for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Suarez, who led the National League this season with 40 saves in 45 chances, became a free agent in early November after opting out of $8 million options for 2026 and 2027.
Suarez served as the San Diego Padres’ closer for the past two seasons, emerging as one of the premier relievers in baseball. During that span, he earned two All-Star selections, logged a 2.87 ERA, and recorded a major-league-best 76 saves. Last season, he struck out 75 hitters across 69⅔ innings while producing a career-best walk rate of just 5.9%.
Even at 34, Suarez’s velocity remained elite, with his fastball averaging 98.6 mph.
Born in Venezuela, Suarez will turn 35 on March 1. Before reaching MLB, he played professionally in Mexico and then spent five seasons pitching in Japan. Two standout years with the Hanshin Tigers in 2020 and 2021 drew interest from the Padres, who first brought him in on a one-year, $6 million contract. He later secured a bigger deal, earning $30 million from 2023–25.
With Atlanta, Suarez will work alongside returning closer Raisel Iglesias at the back of the bullpen. Iglesias, who converted 29 of 34 save chances last year, re-signed with the Braves last month on a one-year, $16 million contract.
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