Ranger Suárez’s Future with the Phillies in Doubt as Free Agency Looms After 2025
The Philadelphia Phillies face some tough decisions after the 2025 season, with three key players—J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, and Ranger Suárez—set to hit free agency. While all three have been crucial to the team’s success, recent discussions on The Phillies Show podcast with Todd Zolecki, Jim Salisbury, and Rubén Amaro Jr. suggest that Suárez is the least likely to return in 2026.
Why Suárez May Not Be Back in 2026
Suárez recently hired Scott Boras, one of baseball’s most powerful agents, signaling his intent to secure a major payday in free agency. Spotrac projects his next contract to be worth approximately $18.9 million annually, a price that may be too steep for the Phillies given their current pitching investments.
The Phillies have already committed big money to Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, while Cristopher Sánchez signed a four-year extension in 2024. They also traded for Jesús Luzardo, who is under team control through 2026, and top pitching prospect Andrew Painter is expected to join the rotation soon.
With so many arms in place, Suárez’s departure seems inevitable. As Salisbury put it:
“The way the prices of pitching are and where they are on the luxury tax, I could see him being the least likely to be back in ‘26.”
Suárez’s Journey with the Phillies
Suárez made his MLB debut in 2018, but it wasn’t until 2021 that he found his stride. Initially used as a reliever, he transitioned into a starting role midseason and finished the year with a dominant 1.36 ERA in 106 innings.
In 2022, he became a full-time starter, posting a 10-7 record with a 3.65 ERA across 29 starts. His playoff heroics cemented his status as a fan favorite, particularly during the Phillies’ run to the World Series, where he delivered a stellar 1.23 ERA in five postseason appearances.
His ERA rose to 4.18 in 2023, but once again, he turned things around in the playoffs, recording a 1.93 ERA in four starts.
A Tale of Two Halves in 2024
Suárez entered 2024 as a Cy Young contender and was dominant in the first half:
- 10-1 record
- 1.75 ERA through June 19
- Opponents hit just .191 against him
However, things took a drastic turn after a June 25 loss to the Detroit Tigers. His second-half numbers were alarming:
- 2-4 record
- 5.65 ERA
- 1.69 WHIP
- Opponents hit .311 against him
An injury in late July might have contributed to his struggles, but the sharp decline raised concerns about his long-term reliability.
Lasting Playoff Impact but Uncertain Future
Despite his struggles, Suárez delivered when it mattered most. With the Phillies facing elimination in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Mets, he took the mound and pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts. Though the team lost the game, his performance was a reminder of his postseason pedigree.
Even if he rebounds in 2025, the Phillies may choose to move on, given their luxury tax concerns and depth in the rotation. While Suárez has been a beloved part of the team, his time in Philadelphia may be nearing its end.
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