Reds, closer agree to three-year deal

Reds reliever Raisel Iglesias smiles after walking a Phillies batter on Monday, April 3, 2017, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. David Jablonski/Staff

Reds reliever Raisel Iglesias smiles after walking a Phillies batter on Monday, April 3, 2017, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. David Jablonski/Staff

The Cincinnati Reds and closer Raisel Iglesias have agreed on a three-year contract through the 2021 season.

Iglesias’ previous contract — a seven-year deal set to expire after the 2020 season — enabled him to opt into arbitration after the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons.

“Raisel has been extremely reliable in our bullpen. He has also proven to be a very versatile pitcher, which we value highly,” said Reds President of Baseball Operations Dick Williams in a release. “This contract provides both sides with cost certainty and will allow (manager) David (Bell) and (pitching coach) Derek (Johnson) to focus on how Raisel can be utilized to provide the most value to the team.”

Iglesias, owns a 2.97 career ERA in 184 appearances with 64 saves in 72 chances. The 28-year-old right-hander had a career-high 30 saves in 2018 with a 2.38 ERA in 66 appearances.

“This is a great opportunity,” Iglesias said. “I thank the Reds for trusting me and believing in me. Cincinnati is my second home, and I wanted to take this step.”

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