LA Angels closer Raisel Iglesias reveals sky-high goal for 2022
![Jul 26, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Raisel Iglesias, LA Angels](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2969,h_1670,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/107/01fwshnad9ykkp6q6ktx.jpg)
Raisel Iglesias recently revealed his goal for his 2022 season with the LA Angels, and it's massive:
Cuban pitcher Raisel Iglesias has high expectations for this 2022. He told @pelotacubanausa that he will work to get at least 40 saves in his second season with #Angels. He also recalled that he already has 2 seasons with 34 saves, so he feels good about getting more.
— Dayana Villalobos Dimare (@_dayanavdimare) February 23, 2022
While that's a giant goal, it's certainly one that's attainable for Iglesias, as he kind of pointed out there. Iglesias is undoubtedly one of the best closers in the game. Not only does he have those two 34 save seasons under his belt, but in these last two years, he's posted a 2.61 ERA and 2.58 FIP.
If there's anyone who's going to record 40 saves this year, one would be foolish not to include Iglesias in that conversation. Iglesias has arguably the best fastball in the American League, and can only be considered second to fellow Cuban fireballer and former bullpen teammate Aroldis Chapman.
Raisel Iglesias was untouchable in his first season with the LA Angels.
Raisel Iglesias was traded to the LA Angels from Cincinnati in this past offseason, and earned a big-money extension that he signed earlier this offseason. He deserved it, and would have been gobbled up very quickly if we flirted with the idea of letting him walk this winter.
Because nobody would be surprised if Iglesias puts a 40 save season together. It's more than attainable for him. He simply never lets runners on. He posted an 0.925 WHIP these past two seasons and struck out 13.2 batters per nine in 2021. All the momentum for him to take that next jump is already here.
10 stars you forgot were LA Angels. dark. Next
His 8.58 K/BB ratio in 2021 sets Iglesias up for high expectations in 2022. And he's going to hit those high expectations. Despite being in a tough situation last year with a sudden pitching coach firing, he erased all doubt and proved that he's one of the best closers in baseball.