Former major league general manager Jim Bowden wrote in The Athletic (paid subscription service) that San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez is expected to opt out of his contract to explore the free agent market next offseason. Extending the star reliever would be a mistake and should not be a top priority for the Padres.

Friars have other closer options in the pen

This scenario has been in play since he signed a five-year/$46 million deal with the Padres three years ago. However, Suarez will be 35 years old in 2026, and the possibility of his production declining is very real. The Friars do have other closer options in their bullpen.

Jason Adam and Adrian Morejon are excellent setup relievers. It remains unclear if they can be identified as a cornerstone piece to the pen. Adam is 5-0 with a 1.35 ERA in 26 appearances, and Morejon is 2-2 with a 3.09 ERA in 25 appearances this season. Each pitcher has limited experience in the closer role.

Suarez being a late bloomer, seeking a final payday

Suarez would attract attention from teams willing to invest in adding a quality closer to their bullpen. His dominance speaks for itself as a closer. He posted a 2.35 ERA with a league-leading 17 saves in 24 appearances this season. Suarez’s raw ability is housed inside a 34-year-old body.

He could be described as a late bloomer. He made his major league debut at 31 with the Padres in 2022. Suarez will only secure a substantial contract in free agency if he remains healthy and effective for the remainder of this season. That is a necessary qualifier for all pitchers in their mid-thirties where season-ending surgeries followed by a lengthy rehab have become the norm in the sport.

This scenario has hold true for Suarez as well. He has spent time on the injury list with knee surgery in 2022 and right elbow inflammation in 2023. With today’s trends in baseball, injuries will be a part of the final stage of his career. You cannot be surprised if the Friars have trepidation about offering a rich contract extension to the righty because of his age and injury history.

Preller holds all the cards

No one has the insight if both sides are willing to commit to a contract extension before the end of the 2025 campaign. Padres president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller has not expressed interest in beginning contract extension talks with his star closer’s representation. He may have placed them on the back burner to prevent the negotiations becoming a distraction for Suarez.

Other players with opt-out clauses have played the entire season before agreeing to a contract extension with the franchise. If Suarez’s future production value is not in question, it might prompt Preller to become more aggressive in securing a new deal. However, he will need financial approval from ownership before completing the deal.

If there is an opportunity for a short-term agreement, it could be mutually beneficial for both parties. But it seems Suarez is betting on himself to get a big-money payday at season’s end.

No one can argue that Suarez is a quality closer. Perhaps, the best in the majors. But for how much longer is the question?

Extending him beyond a few seasons would be detrimental for the Friars. Suarez is an aging reliever whose productivity should decline during his next contract.