Red Sox left-hander Ranger Suárez (still feels weird to say) made his first start of the season on Monday against the Houston Astros. It was also the first regular season start Suárez has made outside a Phillies uniform after he signed a five-year, $130 million contract over the offseason. Suárez was a sought-after arm this winter, but didn't show that on Monday after getting roughed up and leaving Phillies fans confused about how to feel.
Against the Astros, Suárez pitched 4 1/3 innings and gave up seven hits, four runs, two home runs, and one walk while striking out three batters. Suárez also threw 76 pitches, 44 of which were strikes. After just one start, he now sits at an 8.31 ERA, certainly not what the Red Sox had in mind for his highly anticipated debut. The outing makes you feel bad for him as a Phillies fan who loved him, but also leaves you with a clear conscience after his decision to leave for another organization.
Phillies fans feel mix of vindication and concern after Ranger Suárez's Red Sox debut
Maybe it's the World Baseball Classic's fault, which delayed his buildup and debut to Game 4? Yeah. Maybe.
Suárez was signed by the Phillies in 2012 as an international free agent at just 16 years old. He worked his way through the Phillies bullpen before landing a starting rotation spot. Suárez was an effective arm when he was healthy, with a career 3.38 ERA and an All-Star appearance across eight years in the Phillies organization. Coming into 2025, he wanted to make the most of his last arbitration year, which resulted in him hiring agent Scott Boras, a major sign that he was after the money more than anything else.
The Phillies were already planning to spend this past winter, but Suárez commanding a top-of-the-market price for his services wasn't in their plan. The high price forced the Phillies to let Suárez walk, making the decision easier in the end. Now Phillies fans can at least watch and enjoy the chaos somewhat knowing they don't have to worry about Suárez anymore and that the Red Sox were banking on him being a considerable asset this season.
Another day will come for the Red Sox's new $130 million man to redeem himself after a painful debut. He could turn it around for the Red Sox, but for now, the feeling is bitter for Boston, but something approaching sweet for the Phillies (sorry, sorry...).