The Philadelphia Phillies are in a tricky position with their upcoming free agent class. Kyle Schwarber is the main priority, as the designated hitter is a staple of the Phillies' offense. JT Realmuto is also important, but unfortunately, Ranger Suarez might be the odd man out.
However, it's not due to a lack of talent or ability; it's rather the calculus of the team. Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Andrew Painter, and potentially Taijuan Walker are all options for the rotation in 2026. Suarez could depart this winter, especially if he is projected to make a lot of money.
According to Spotrac.com's MLB Market Values, Suarez is projected to get such a massive contract this winter. Suarez's contract update from Spotrac has the lefty pitcher slated to receive a $161 million deal this winter, one of the largest of the offseason.
Ranger Suarez Projected to Get $166 Million Deal in Free Agency
If Suarez were to make $161 million in free agency, the Phillies, with so much money already invested in the position, could let the fan favorite starter leave this winter.
His projected deal is $161 million over six seasons, as the 30-year-old Suarez could depart the Phillies organization for the first time in his professional career.
Back in 2012, Suarez signed with the Phillies as an international free agent. He's been one of the team's best success stories and has become an integral part of the rotation. But this projection could force the Phillies to let him go, especially with Schwarber and Realmuto being free agents at the same time.
This season, Suarez has a 2.89 ERA in 22 starts with an 11-6 record. It's been one of the best years of his eight-year MLB career, which began in 2018. After making the transition to full-time rotation in 2022, the Phillies have routinely made the postseason, where he's thrived.
MORE: Phillies' Kyle Schwarber receives $35 million free agent prediction
Across 10 appearances in the postseason, which includes eight starts and one save opportunity, Suarez has a 1.43 ERA and a 3-1 record. Suarez will have a chance to help the Phillies in the postseason once again, as his role will be even more important without Zack Wheeler on the mound.
A strong postseason for the Phillies this fall could further boost his $161 million free agency projection from Spotrac. Suarez has been one of the best Phillies pitchers in recent history, and this contract update could price the Phillies out of his free agency.
Losing him would sting, but the Phillies have the pitching staff to account for his departure. He could still return, but the huge $161 million projection, averaging $26 million per year, could force the Phillies to let the fan favorite lefty walk this winter.
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