Right-handed closer Robert Suarez agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday.
Suarez will receive $13 million in 2026 and $16 million in each of the following two seasons.
Suarez, who turns 35 on March 1, recorded a National League-best 40 saves last season with the San Diego Padres and struck out 75 batters in 69 2/3 innings. The two-time All-Star posted a 4-6 record with a 2.97 ERA in 70 appearances out of the bullpen.
Suarez used his player option to exit a five-year, $46 million deal that had two seasons and $16 million remaining. He was due $8 million over each of the next two seasons.
Suarez owns a 22-13 record with a 2.91 ERA in 206 career games with the Padres after previously pitching in Japan with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and Hanshin Tigers. He has an MLB-best 76 combined saves over the past two seasons.
