Braves, Suarez agree to 3-year, $45M deal
The Atlanta Braves agreed to a three-year, $45-million deal with right-hander Robert Suarez, the team announced Thursday.
Suarez will earn $13 million in 2026, $16 million in 2027, and $16 million in 2028. There are no deferrals in the deal. The reliever also agreed to donate 1% of his salary to the Atlanta Braves Foundation.
Suarez led the National League with 40 saves last season with the San Diego Padres and has 77 career saves to his credit. He will operate in a setup role for the Braves, who plan to use Raisel Iglesias as their closer, a source told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
The 34-year-old Suarez owns a career 2.91 ERA and 9.4 K/9 in 206 big-league appearances, all with the Padres. Suarez's fastball, which he throws 63% of the time, ranked in the 97th percentile in velocity last season. He also throws a sinker, which hitters batted .139 against in 2025.
Atlanta designated left-hander Ryan Rolison for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Suarez.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays were also connected to Suarez this offseason.
This is the second signing by the Braves in the past 24 hours after they inked outfielder Mike Yastrzemski to a two-year, $23-million deal Wednesday.