The Cincinnati Reds could pursue trading closer Raisel Iglesias, and the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox are among the teams looking at the 28-year-old right-hander, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.
According to the report, Houston is looking hard at Iglesias after previously setting its sights on Kelvin Herrera, who the Kansas City Royals traded to the Washington Nationals earlier this month. The Astros have long been linked with Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton last year but are now looking for a more sure thing as the left-hander recently returned from a serious Achilles injury.
Other teams are also interested in the Reds closer, with Boston as the only other club Cafardo named.
Iglesias is under contract through 2020 and due just under $11.5 million over the next two seasons. He assumed partial closer duties back in 2016 and has since claimed the primary role, racking up 49 saves total. Through 34 2/3 innings this year, Iglesias owns a 2.08 ERA and 3.53 FIP.
Iglesias would presumably slot into the back end of Houston's bullpen, particularly due to the struggles of incumbent closer Ken Giles. Over 28 2/3 innings, the 27-year-old right-hander has a 4.08 ERA and 1.91 FIP with 11 saves. Giles' issues have forced the Astros to give some save opportunities to Hector Rondon.
Meanwhile, with the Red Sox, Iglesias would likely assume a setup role somewhere behind six-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel. While Kimbrel remains among the league's elite, Boston lacks some depth, relying on a tandem of Matt Barnes, Joe Kelly, and Heath Hembree for high-leverage relief.
