With the MLB season concluding this week, that means hot stove season is right around the corner, and for teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, who are in offseason mode, it's time for the front office to start thinking about the future.
On the pitching side, it starts with Ranger Suárez, who is set to be a free agent and test the open market. Suárez is one of the top starting pitchers on the market and is likely to receive and deny a qualifying offer by the Phillies.
Ranger Suárez is predicted to be a late free agent signing
According to Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly, the Ranger Suárez sweepstakes might not be decided until just before Spring Training. In a bold predictions piece, Kelly predicts Suárez won't sign until Valentine's Day.
"Suárez's contract will probably wind up somewhere between those two terms, perhaps with an early opt-out. But it will take time, particularly since it seems as though the Phillies—who has Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Jesús Luzardo under contract with top prospect Andrew Painter looming—might move on."
Despite dropping velocity and some questions surrounding his health, Ranger Suárez continues to strengthen his resume as one of the most consistent lefty starters in baseball. In 157.1 innings this season, Ranger posted a 3.20 ERA and struck out 151 batters.
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