The Philadelphia Phillies' starting rotation has been great this year, but one of their best arms is slated to hit the open market in the offseason. Ranger Suárez could be wearing a new uniform next year.
Suárez has a 2.20 ERA in nine starts this season. He is in the final year of arbitration and should have a strong market when the season ends. The Phillies have some young pitchers waiting in the wings, and OnPattison's Tim Kelly predicted the Phillies would not bring Suárez back as a free agent.
"After last night's start, Suárez has a 2.20 ERA and eight quality starts in nine outings this season," wrote Kelly. "Even though he missed the first month of the season, he's forcing his way into the All-Star Game discussion. You do risk losing him in the offseason. I expect the Phillies will give him a qualifying offer, which will mean they get back some draft-pick compensation if he departs. And if you made me guess, I'm more inclined to think Suárez will be elsewhere next year. But right now, he's a huge part of your team."
Suárez was an All-Star last season and has a 3.32 career ERA. He has been a full-time starter since 2022 and has a 3.56 ERA since then. Losing him will be a big blow for the Phillies.
Spotrac projects him to sign a three-year, $45 million deal as a free agent, but the Phillies may not be willing to pay that, knowing Mick Abel and Andrew Painter could join the rotation full time next season.
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Abel has already made some starts due to injuries this season. He has looked good, and Painter is the team's top prospect. Painter is also the No. 5 overall prospect in baseball.
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