Suarez Impressing in Spring Training, Easing Braves Bullpen Nerves

The Atlanta Braves' big bullpen signing is looking sharp out of the gate as the team aims to show the bullpen is in strong shape.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Robert Suarez, the Atlanta Braves' new relief pitcher, is making a strong impression in spring training as he works to get familiar with starting catcher Drake Baldwin. Braves manager Walt Weiss is excited about Suarez's addition, saying it will help fortify the team's bullpen after some offseason departures. Suarez, a two-time All-Star closer, is expected to serve as the setup man for Raisel Iglesias, who re-signed with the team.

Why it matters

The Braves' bullpen was an area of concern heading into the offseason, with the departures of several key relievers. Suarez's arrival as an elite setup option should help ease those worries and give the team confidence in the back end of their pitching staff.

The details

Suarez, who signed with the Braves over the offseason, has been impressive in his early bullpen sessions. He's being paired up to work closely with starting catcher Drake Baldwin, as the two will be seeing plenty of each other this season. Suarez is expected to serve as the primary setup man for closer Raisel Iglesias, who re-signed with the team.

  • Suarez had the chance to get on the mound and do a bullpen session on February 12, 2026.

The players

Robert Suarez

A two-time All-Star closer who signed with the Atlanta Braves over the offseason to serve as the team's primary setup man.

Drake Baldwin

The Atlanta Braves' starting catcher, who is working closely with Suarez to get familiar with the new reliever.

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves, who is excited about Suarez's addition to the team's bullpen.

Raisel Iglesias

The Atlanta Braves' closer, who re-signed with the team over the offseason.

Hayden Harris

A top prospect for the Atlanta Braves who could potentially fill a spot in the bullpen.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, big strong kid. He was a great get for us. Really excited to have him down there for our bullpen.”

— Walt Weiss, Manager (si.com)

“I feel like that's become a real strength there, and we really fortified the back end.”

— Robert Suarez (Baseball Player Relations Director Franco García)

“I'm willing to do whatever needs to be done to contribute whatever, which way to hit it with the more literal translation to drop it in my little grain of sand in the effort to help the team win in any which way.”

— Robert Suarez (Baseball Player Relations Director Franco García)

What’s next

The Braves will continue to evaluate Suarez and the rest of their bullpen options throughout spring training as they aim to solidify their pitching staff for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Suarez's impressive start to spring training has helped ease concerns about the Braves' bullpen, which lost several key pieces in the offseason. His addition as a setup man for closer Raisel Iglesias should give the team confidence in the back end of their pitching staff as they look to build on their success from last season.