Phillies' free agent rumor on beloved pitcher would be worst-case scenario for fans

Matt Sullivan

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Phillies' free agent rumor on beloved pitcher would be worst-case scenario for fans image

The Philadelphia Phillies saw four key players hit free agency this offseason. Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suarez, and Harrison Bader all hit the open market.

Schwarber is back on a $150 million deal, while the other three are unsigned. However, Suarez might not be long for the free agent world.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the beloved Phillies lefty is drawing some serious interest this winter. Though unfortunately, this update features two landing spots that would be worst-case scenarios for Phillies fans.

Phillies might lose Ranger Suarez in worst-case scenario this winter

"Like Valdez, Suarez has been linked to the Mets and Orioles throughout the winter, which is hardly a surprise given their respective needs for starting pitching," Feinsand writes. "The Braves, Cubs, and Angels are also looking for pitching help, with Suarez... Among the potential targets."

Seeing Suarez depart in free agency was always a strong possibility for the Phillies. Amid their current rotation, the Phillies didn't have a clear spot for Suarez.

They could've tried to make him fit, but the issue for the Phillies comes in the form of how much Suarez will get on the open market. His expensive deal likely means Suarez is going to sign with a new team this winter.

Unfortunately for Phillies fans, two of his top landing spots are with the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets. The Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago Cubs are the other potential landing spots Feinsand mentions.

More: Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto prediction shows how bad things would be if Philadelphia doesn’t re-sign him

That means that Suarez has a 40% chance of signing with a division rival this winter, with the other 60% coming in the form of the Angels, Cubs, or Orioles.

For Phillies fans, seeing Suarez, a fan favorite, leave in the offseason is already tough enough. But to see him join a division rival would be a brutal way for his time in Philadelphia to come to an end.

There's no guarantee he signs with the Mets or the Braves, but both teams need starting pitching, and Suarez is one of the best pitchers available on the market.

Phillies fans might need to come to terms with the idea that Suarez will sign with a division rival. It's a sad way for his time in Philadelphia to come to an end, but if that's the best deal he's offered, he has no reason not to take it.

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Staff Writer