ATLANTA — The Braves signed reliever Robert Suarez on Thursday, further bolstering a bullpen that already includes one of the game’s better closers in Raisel Iglesias.

Suarez, 34, signed a three-year, $45 million contract. The right-hander will earn $13 million this season and $16 million in the next two seasons. Suarez can be a set-up man for Iglesias, and he’s positioned to assume closer duties in 2027 should the Braves not re-sign their incumbent closer, who’s on a one-year, $16 million deal.

Suarez earned his second consecutive All-Star nod in 2025, posting a 2.97 ERA in 70 appearances with the Padres. Suarez owned a 2.91 ERA over his four-year career, entirely with San Diego. He also has a 2.45 ERA in 12 postseason appearances (14 2/3 innings).

The Braves have aggressively pursued pitching reinforcements this winter. They reportedly were involved with All-Star closer Edwin Diaz before he joined the Dodgers. They had been linked with Suarez, whose signing continues president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos’ longstanding emphasis on investing in his bullpen.

Suarez is the team’s second significant signing in as many days. It added outfielder Mike Yastrzemski on a two-year, $23 million deal (with a club option) Wednesday. The Braves have spent $38 million on their 2026 payroll in signing Iglesias, Yastrzemski and Suarez.

©2025 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.