Los Angeles Angels closer Raisel Iglesias has lofty goals for 2022

The Los Angeles Angels are clearly looking forward to the 2022 campaign. They have restocked their pitching staff, potentially adding a second top of the rotation arm while giving their bullpen a needed boost. Keeping Raisel Iglesias, and locking him in on a four year deal, was a key part of ensuring the bullpen remained as strong as possible.

Iglesias has lofty goals as well for the upcoming season. He is hoping to notch at least 40 saves next year, a number that he has not reached yet in the majors.

Los Angeles Angels closer Raisel Iglesias has high goals for 2022

As it is, Iglesias has been one of the better closers in the game during his career. He has reached the 30 save plateau three times, including his career high of 34 saves twice. Even in his worst year in Cincinnati, he was still a reasonably impressive piece in the bullpen.

Iglesias essentially had a one year trial in Los Angeles last season. He had been brought in as yet another bandage slapped on the pitching staff, a one year rental to solidify the ninth inning. It fit the Angels modus operandi to that point as they were seemingly incapable of finding a permanent solution.

That changes with Iglesias. He proved that he was the answer the Angels had been searching for as he posted a 2.57 ERA and a 0.929 WHiP in his 70 innings, notching 34 saves as he struck out 103 batters and issued just 12 walks. Although he had issues with the long ball, allowing 11 homers, he was still the type of closer the Angels had been looking for.

Now that he proved himself once again, Iglesias has a new goal. Those 40 saves are certainly doable, especially with the other improvements made to the pitching staff. While the Angels still need more pieces, particularly in the bullpen, they were off to a great start before the lockout.

Raisel Iglesias is aiming for his first 40 save season in 2022. Considering the improvements made by the Los Angeles Angels, it is possible.