Ranger Suárez has been a dependable starter for the Philadelphia Phillies for the last several seasons. However, three events transpired over the last few years that make it likely he will be pitching in a different uniform in 2026. Despite his status as a fan favorite, Phillies fans are apparently on board with letting Suárez walk in free agency.
According to The Athletic's recent fan survey, 61 percent of Phillies fans don't want the organization to re-sign Ranger Suárez (subscription required).
How did we get here?
Taijuan Walker signed a four-year, $72 million contract in December 2022. The Phillies agreed to a seven-year, $172 million contract with Aaron Nola in November 2023. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski acquired left-hander Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins last December. Finally, Suárez decided to hire well-known agent Scott Boras a year ago to represent him, anticipating becoming a free agent.
One of the Phillies' positional strengths is starting pitching. They have Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, Luzardo, and Nola confirmed for rotation spots in 2026. While injuries and inconsistency could quickly turn their strength into a weakness, the franchise can afford to take a risk and let Suárez sign elsewhere.
Phillies fans want team to prioritize other positions over re-signing Ranger Suárez
The Phillies do have plenty of needs other than starting pitching to address this offseason. Fixing the outfield is their top priority, as they will make new additions. If Dombrowski trades Alec Bohm, finding another third baseman will be another task. The front office may sign or acquire another relief pitcher to fortify the bullpen as well before the start of spring training.
Before the Winter Meetings, the majority of the fan base wanted the team to focus on re-signing Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto in addition to addressing their outfield situation. Fans would also love to see an extension for Luzardo.
Schwarber's back, but that likely takes the Phillies out of the running to add a top outfielder such as Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker. Both would be more expensive than Schwarber long-term. Just Schwarber's contract alone jeopardizes the slim chance Suárez had of returning.
Suárez is coming off another solid season with the Phillies. In 157 1/3 innings, the Pie de Cuesta, Venezuela, native finished with 151 strikeouts, the most of his career. He had a 12-8 record and a 3.20 ERA in 26 starts. His performance in a long relief effort (five innings, five hits, four strikeouts, and one home run versus the Los Angeles Dodgers) in Game 3 of the NLDS was crucial to securing Philadelphia's 8-2 victory.
Suárez has developed into a dependable third starter and a borderline second rotation option for the Phillies since he became a full-time starter in 2022. Other organizations in need of starting rotation help are valuing that when considering whether to sign him. Hindsight is 20/20. If the Phillies hadn't signed Nola to a massive extension and not signed Walker, in particular, the club may be in a better position to bring Suárez back. Or maybe not.