When Raisel Iglesias signed a seven-year, $27 million contract with the Reds, it was expected he’d be on the fast track towards the major leagues. After three seasons in Cuba’s Serie Nacional, the right-hander was seen as an impact bullpen arm and potential by multiple teams. The Reds, however, have developed Iglesias as a starter and that decision looks to have worked to perfection.
At 5-foot-11, his fastball rests in the 92-95 mph range with a slider 15-20 ticks lower on the radar gun and a change-up that has developed since he signed with Cincinnati. His fastball has late movement and his alternate arm angles make it difficult for hitters to adjust. Iglesias excelled with the Cuban National Team during the World Port Tournament and during their series against the United States College National Team last in 2014.
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During his last season in Cuba he posted a 1.68 ERA across 53 2/3 innings in 13 relief appearances and two starts in 2012. With his live arm he’s had control issues, in the past, but he’s gone from a one to one strikeout to a two to one ratio over his last two full seasons of recorded competition. In 7 innings in the Arizona Fall League, he averaged 9 strikeouts per 9 innings without allowing an earned run.
If Iglesias shines in Spring Training, he could have an opportunity to make move for the fourth and fifth spots in Cincinnati’s rotation. Currently, Tony Cingrani is penciled in as the fourth starter, but after being sent to the minors and suffering from shoulder tendonitis and shoulder soreness on the way to missing over half of the season. Dylan Axelrod, the current favorite for the fifth rotation spot, held hitters to a .206 average in five appearances, but is turning 30 and hasn’t had any extensive success in the majors. Anthony DeSclafani, who was acquired from the Marlins in the offseason trade sending Mat Latos to Miami, has a 6.27 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 13 majors league appearances and may begin the season in the minors until he proves he can handle the big stage.
That leaves a potential opening for Iglesias to steal a starting spot if two of those three should falter. With Manager Bryan Price already stating that Iglesias could be the X-factor for the Reds’ pitching staff, it may only be a matter of time before Iglesias gets his first crack at the big leagues. If he can prove he can handle the workload and pressure against major league caliber hitters, he should be able to make the Opening Day roster, if not in the rotation, then the bullpen.
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