3 Phillies players who could be first-time All-Stars in 2024: Ranger Suárez
Paired with two perennial All-Star-caliber pitchers at the top of the Philadelphia Phillies rotation, Ranger Suárez has played second fiddle since being inserted into the rotation in 2021. After primarily being a bullpen option for the first few seasons of his career, Suárez has blossomed into an outstanding No. 3 starter.
In 2021, the Venezuelan native broke out pitching to an incredible 1.36 ERA over the course of 106 innings. Suárez used his new-found success to become a primary piece in the Phillies' 2022 World Series run. He even gained the trust of manager Rob Thomson to the point where he was chosen to get the final two outs to clinch the National League pennant.
Since then, the fan-favorite hasn't looked back; he's a consistent groundball pitcher who can get solid outs and keep guys off base. While he's not the power pitcher who gains the most hype in today's game, Suárez can keep hitters off balance with his sinker and changeup combo.
Suárez has been great in the regular season, but he has also been one of the best in the postseason, per MLB.com's Jesús Cano.
In the past two postseasons, Suárez has thrown 33 1/3 innings and has been crucial in both deep playoff runs. Over that time, he has allowed only six earned runs, struck out 32, and compiled a 0.90 WHIP and a 1.62 ERA. He now looks to continue to build off that success in 2024.
In spring training, the 28-year-old was one of three qualified pitchers who did not allow an earned run. In his 15 innings, Suárez allowed five hits, four walks, and struck out 16. In his 2024 debut, he struck out seven Atlanta Braves over five innings, allowing three runs on three hits, helping the Phillies secure the first win of the season.
Suárez has the stuff to miss bats and induce weak contact. His ability to get outs is what makes him a great pitcher. While he isn't the flashiest (except with his glove), he is effective, and effectiveness is what makes stars, and All-Stars, for that matter.