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As the MLB offseason really gets going, there are multiple quality bullpen arms available on the open market. This could see a ton of movement take place across the league, with organizations possibly getting into bidding wars for talent.
One of the better pitchers heading into free agency this year is veteran right-hander Robert Suarez, who has spent the last few seasons with the San Diego Padres. Suarez has pitched in at least 65 innings while posting a sub-3.00 ERA in consecutive seasons, giving him a leg to stand on in negotiations.
Additionally, Suarez led the National League with 40 saves this past season, and he has been one of the more reliable arms in late-game situations over the last few years. Suarez also cut down his walks this year, which could be a telling sign that he figured out one of his biggest concerns on the mound.
The veteran isn’t the perfect option in the bullpen, and he has seen his share of shakiness at different times. But he has also proven that he can handle the late-game situations, and teams will be well aware of this.
The Padres may want to bring him back, but the team has shown a lack of willingness to spend in free agency over the past few years. This could open the door to another team landing the closer and San Diego losing one of its better bullpen arms.
With the number of teams across baseball who need help in the bullpen being so high, it could see Suarez land a nice deal in his free agency. But where the veteran right-hander may end up is anyone’s guess at this point, and will likely be dependent on the money offered to him.
This is just a prediction, NOT a report!
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Robert Suarez Joins the Los Angeles Dodgers
As Suarez searches for his next landing spot, we could see him move up the freeway to join the rival Los Angeles Dodgers. Los Angeles is in search of more bullpen help this winter, specifically someone who can shut down games.
The Dodgers’ bullpen was atrocious during the regular season last year, and the Tanner Scott experiment blew up in their faces. So coming into this offseason, Los Angeles is looking to address this problem in a big way.
Putting Suarez into the bullpen could help things, and Los Angeles knows him very well from all their battles with the Padres. Suarez would give the Dodgers a reliable arm for the 9th inning, which is what the team has said they are coveting this winter.
The Dodgers have signed a few former Padres pitchers in the last year or two, and Suarez could make sense to be the next. Making this move would also weaken San Diego, which would also be a big plus in the entire situation.