The San Diego Padres are one of the MLB teams that have several decisions to make with key free agents this offseason. Flamethrowing reliever Robert Suarez is one of them, as he just announced he'd be opting out of his current deal and testing free agency.
The Suarez sweepstakes will be vast, as he became one of the top closers in MLB this season. The early reports indicate that t he Los Angeles Dodgers will be targeting high-leverage relievers this offseason, and Robert Suarez could be at the top of their list.
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Recent free agency prediction has Robert Suarez signing with Dodgers
Look away, Padres fans. A recent predictions piece by Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer includes Robert Suarez signing a four-year, $64 million contract with the Dodgers.
Here is Rymer's reasoning as to why the Dodgers may be targeting Suarez:
"They therefore figure to be in the market for a top-tier closer, and signing Suarez would be a double whammy of filling that need and taking a major weapon away from their top NL West rival. "
Los Angeles went out last offseason and signed the likes of Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and Roki Sasaki. However, aside from Roki Sasaki in the playoffs, all three signings didn't really work out. Signing Robert Suarez would almost certainly make him the Dodgers' closer immediately.
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In 69.2 innings this season, Suarez posted a 2.97 ERA, struck out 75 batters, and recorded 40 saves, which was the best mark in the NL.
Padres fans would be distraught if their star closer ended up going to Los Angeles, but the truth is, it's up to AJ Preller to give him the contract he deserves, because if he doesn't, the Dodgers have shown time and time again they are more than willing to give players lucrative deals for them to join their organization.
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