Robert Suarez's deal with the Braves deemed as a huge overpay

Jared Bloom

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Robert Suarez's deal with the Braves deemed as a huge overpay image

The Atlanta Braves have filled a few holes this offseason so far. They were able to get a deal done with Ha-Seong Kim, Raisel Iglesias, and one with Robert Suarez. 

Kim agreed to a one-year, $20 milliondeal while Suarez agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal. Now, Atlanta has their sortstop and a surefire arm in the bullpen for high-leverage situations. 

However, the club could still use an innings eater in the starting rotation. So, do not be surprised if they get aggressive here soon, with the market starting to shrink. 

Robert Suarez's deal with the Braves deemed a big overpay

While the Braves were able to fill a few holes, that does not mean they were the right decisions. Both contracts have been considered a bit of an overpay. 

Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly explains why he believes the Braves overpaid to acquire Robert Suarez. 

"What's surprising in Suarez joining the Braves is that he won't even be Atlanta's closer in 2026. That's not to say your best reliever is your closer, but when you give a reliever entering his age-35 season a three-year deal, typically you would expect them to be your top leverage arm."

Kelly explains that Atlanta gave Suarez a big paycheck, even though he will not be the club's closer in 2026. Those duties will go to Raisel Iglesias, whom the club signed earlier in the offseason. 

Typically, those kinds of deals are reserved for closers. However, Suarez will be used in high-leverage situations, potentially getting the ball to the ninth inning for Iglesias. 

Atlanta needed more reinforcements in the bullpen, so they went out and signed the player they felt would put them in the best position. While viewed as an overpay, it was a deal that the club felt comfortable getting done. 

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Staff Writer