The Philadelphia Phillies have three key players approaching free agency after the 2025 season: catcher J.T. Realmuto, designated hitter/outfielder Kyle Schwarber, and starting pitcher Ranger Suárez, all of whom are in the final year of their contracts.
On a recent episode of The Phillies Show podcast, Todd Zolecki, Jim Salisbury, and Rubén Amaro Jr. debated which player is least likely to return in 2026, ultimately selecting Suárez.
Suárez enlisted renowned agent Scott Boras this offseason as he enters a contract year. Despite his struggles in 2024, he remains a proven starter seeking a lucrative deal. Spotrac projects his next contract to carry an average annual salary of $18.9 million.
Discussing Suárez’s future on The Phillies Show podcast, Jim Salisbury expressed doubt about his return to Philadelphia, stating, “I think he’s gonna look for his big score, and with the rising cost of pitching and the Phillies’ luxury tax situation, I could see him being the least likely to be back in ’26.”v
Suárez debuted with the Phillies in 2018, but it wasn’t until 2021 that he truly cemented his role within the organization. Initially used as a reliever, the left-hander transitioned to the starting rotation midway through the 2021 season. After making 27 bullpen appearances, he started 12 games and finished the year with a stellar 1.36 ERA over 106 innings.
In 2022, Suárez made 29 starts, posting a 10-7 record with a 3.65 ERA. His impact extended into the postseason, where he played a crucial role in the Phillies’ electrifying run to the World Series. Appearing in five games—including three starts—he recorded a 1.23 ERA with 13 strikeouts and a save across 14 2/3 innings, solidifying his status as a fan favorite in Philadelphia.
Suárez’s ERA climbed to 4.18 in 2023, but he delivered when it mattered most in the postseason, posting a 1.93 ERA with 19 strikeouts across four starts.
Entering 2024, the 29-year-old was considered a Cy Young contender, dominating the first half of the season with a 10-1 record and a 1.75 ERA through June 19, while holding opponents to a .191 batting average. However, after surrendering eight hits and four runs in a June 25 loss to the Tigers, his season took a turn for the worse.
Despite earning his first career All-Star selection, Suárez struggled in the second half, going 2-4 with a 5.65 ERA and a 1.69 WHIP in eight starts. Opponents hit .311 against him, and he averaged fewer than five innings per outing, raising concerns about his long-term consistency.
Suárez missed about a month from late July to late August due to a back injury, which may have contributed to his second-half struggles. Regardless, he appeared to be a completely different pitcher compared to his dominant first half.
With the Phillies facing elimination in Game 4 of the NLDS against the New York Mets, manager Rob Thomson turned to the struggling Suárez for the must-win start. Rising to the occasion, Suárez put his late-season woes behind him, delivering 4 1/3 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts. Despite his strong outing, the Phillies ultimately fell 4-1, ending their postseason run.Even if Suárez has a strong 2025 season, the Phillies are likely to part ways with him due to their financial commitments at the position and the emergence of future talent ready to step in.
