Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres must prioritize their off-season, and bringing back Robert Suarez is not high on the list. 

In 2025, the San Diego Padres possessed one of the most dominant bullpens in all of baseball.

Before Jason Adam went down with an injury, the Padres used four MLB All-Stars (Robert Suarez, Mason Miller, Jason Adam, and Adrian Morejon) in their pen. If they held a lead late in the game, the contest was essentially over. The formula seemed successful except that an inept offense spoiled the plans in 2025 for San Diego.

This winter, the Padres are about to lose several pitchers from the team. Dylan Cease and Michael King are both free agents. Both men will command top dollar, and their asking price seems way too costly for the Padres. San Diego simply cannot invest more money at this point. They need to be wise with their salary moving forward.

Another pitcher due for free agency is Robert Suarez. The closer declined his player option for the 2026 season at $8 million. Suarez made $10 million last season, and it is no surprise he elected free agency after a 2025 season in which he saved 40 games and recorded a 2.97 ERA in 70 appearances. He is due for a raise and a long-term deal.

Suarez will be looking for a three or four-year deal for at least $10 million per season.

The asking price is not absorbent, but the Padres simply need to be wise with future investments. That cannot be understated.

Mason Miller is on the roster for the next several seasons and could slide into the closer position easily. The Padres also have high-leverage relievers Adrian Morejon and Jeremiah Estrada on the roster. Jason Adam will miss part of the 2026 season, but he is also in the mix deep in the game. The point is, the Padres have depth at the reliever position.

Robert Suarez will be 35 next baseball season. Most do not realize that. He started his career in the majors late. Committing over $10 million to him long-term is a risk. Like any pitcher, all it takes is one bad throw to create an injury. At his advanced age, those odds go up greatly.

Cost is the determining factor in not bringing back Robert Suarez. His potential salary could be used to strengthen the starting staff for the coming season. The Padres could also add some power at first base or DH for 2026. The offense and addressing the starting pitching needs are the largest priorities right now.

Robert Suarez enjoyed a great run with the San Diego Padres. But, his days in Friar brown appear to be over.

The Padres will look toward the future as they chase their first World Series title.

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.

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