Cristopher Sánchez agreed to a four-year, $22.5 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies on June 23. Following a new contract with Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler's extension last offseason, Philly has three starters locked up for the next several seasons.
Is the organization attempting to sign another starter to a multi-year extension? The recent buzz regarding the Phillies suggests that they are looking to do so with Ranger Suárez, who's in the midst of a career year.
Phillies Rumors: MLB insider gives update on Ranger Suárez extension
MLB insider Jim Bowden commented on MLB Radio following the announcement of Sánchez's extension that Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, is working on extending Suárez.
"I tend to think that Dave has been working on this (Cristopher Sánchez extension) for a while," Bowden said. "I have also heard they've been working on Ranger Suárez, who is a free agent after 2025."
Jim Bowden has heard that the Phillies are working on a Ranger Suarez extension.
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) June 23, 2024
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If Philadelphia can work out an extension before he becomes a free agent following next season, it could work out better financially than agreeing on a new contract with Suárez in free agency. His value would presumably be higher if he became a free agent with numerous clubs attempting to sign him to a multi-year deal, as with Nola last offseason. The Venezuela native is earning $5.05 million in 2024 and will be arbitration-eligible for the final time this offseason.
Following a shaky first appearance versus the Atlanta Braves at the end of March, Suárez rebounded to start the year strong with a 5-0 record and a 0.75 ERA in five April outings. He allowed zero earned runs in three consecutive appearances.
The 28-year-old followed his phenomenal beginning of 2024 by winning four of his five starts in May. Suárez posted nine strikeouts in two appearances versus the Miami Marlins on May 10 and on May 26 against the Colorado Rockies. The starter finished with 10 strikeouts against the Texas Rangers in his outing on May 21.
Suárez's amazing season to date hasn't gone unnoticed. He has demonstrated the consistency that should warrant consideration for the NL Cy Young Award through the first half of the regular season. If he keeps up this pace and has his best season to date, he will be a candidate for the award.
The left-hander's reliability gives the Phillies one of and arguably the best starting pitching trio in MLB with Wheeler and Nola. Suárez's effectiveness along with that of his fellow members in the club's rotation helped Philly to be the first club to 50 wins following the team's June 22 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The only question remains when and not if Philadelphia and Suárez agree to a multi-year contract extension. He has had quite a first half and has been a dependable starter for the organization since he became a regular member of the rotation in 2022.