It’s still a bit uncertain why the Philadelphia Phillies are so content with allowing Ranger Suarez to walk, but reports have indicated they’re willing to bring up Andrew Painter as a starter.
Painter hasn’t proven a ton during his time in Triple-A, but that stint was also short-lived.
Perhaps the young right-hander needs some more reps before fully settling into the league, but his stuff is above average. If it plays at the level everyone knows it can, the Phillies might be willing to deal with some struggles that are likely to come along the way.
Looking at what Suarez’s market looks like, despite it being well known that the Phillies aren’t going to bring him back, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com had the latest on the left-hander, suggesting he’s looking for at least a five-year contract.
“Yet in the weeks since, the top free-agent starters remain unsigned.
Michael King appears to be the most likely to sign next, with suitors including the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Cubs and Mets. The belief is that King will sign a deal “for four years, while the other top starters – namely Framber Valdez, Tatsuya Imai and Ranger Suárez – are looking for at least five years,” he wrote.
It would be tough to justify the Phillies allowing Suarez to walk if it turns out he signs a five-year, $125 million contract.
Suarez is one of the better left-handed starters in baseball, and while the Phillies’ rotation isn’t bad, it wouldn’t be the wisest move to let a pitcher of his caliber walk, given some of the question marks within it.
More Phillies news:
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- Phillies offseason rumor spells bad news for Alec Bohm's future in Philadelphia
- Phillies predicted to replace Ranger Suarez with in-house righty
- Phillies get good news on Tatsuya Imai's free agency interest