The Philadelphia Phillies are likely ready to cut ties with pitcher Ranger Suárez in free agency. The Phillies have four high-level pitchers on their big league roster, with top prospect Andrew Painter also emerging as a potential star option. As a result, they’re likely going to let Suárez walk.
The star could hunt a big deal with any of the top contending teams. It’s going to take a team with a lot of money and a talented roster to sign Suárez this winter.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller recently predicted Suárez would sign a huge five-year, $115 million deal with the Chicago Cubs in free agency this offseason.
“These are the little things teams will be grappling with when trying to decide how heavily they’re willing to invest in Suárez and whether he’s going to be their opening day starter for the foreseeable future,” Miller wrote. “But with three of the five projections putting him at a $23M AAV, he could be an absolute steal if he continues to produce at the level that he has.
“Both Kevin Gausman (5 years, $110M) and Robbie Ray (5 years, $115M) got that type of money at the same age, and they each had a career ERA of almost exactly 4.00 when they signed. Suárez may well be better than both.”
The Cubs need to add pitching to their roster this winter. Pitching was one of their big weak points last season.
Shota Imanaga opted out of his contract, but recently accepted the qualifying offer to return to the Cubs. However, Chicago still needs to add more pitching if it wants to contend for a World Series.
The Cubs are likely going to lose Kyle Tucker in free agency, which means they’ll need to pivot to a backup plan. If Suárez is included in that backup plan, the Cubs could contend again next season.
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