Why Phillies are likely to lose Ranger Suarez in free agency

Matt Sullivan

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Why Phillies are likely to lose Ranger Suarez in free agency image

The Philadelphia Phillies are heading into the biggest offseason in recent years for the franchise. Kyle Schwarber, JT Realmuto, Harrison Bader, and Ranger Suarez are all free agents.

Of that group, Schwarber and Realmuto are well-known to be the top priorities for the Phillies to bring back. But getting Suarez and Bader back would be nice moves.

However, after the latest report from USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Phillies' chances of re-signing Suarez aren't high.

Why Phillies are likely to lose Ranger Suarez in free agency

"Suarez is expected to be one of the highest-paid starters on the open market with teams like the Toronto Blue Jays salivating for a chance to sign him," Nightengale reports.

Suarez is reportedly going to have plenty of suitors, with his price tag expected to be among the highest in free agency. This report from Nightengale is not good news for the Phillies' chances of bringing Suarez back.

If teams are willing to spend a ton to land Suarez, the Phillies, already on the hook for a lot of money in Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola in the rotation, won't have a high chance to bring him back.

Suarez is coming off another strong year as a starter, and while there's a robust starting pitching market this winter, Suarez is one of the best.

More: Phillies linked to Pete Alonso as a Kyle Schwarber replacement

The left-hander had a 3.20 ERA in 26 starts in 2025 and continued to be elite in the playoffs. He had a 1.80 ERA in five innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, which raised his playoff ERA to 1.48 in 42.2 innings.

All of the money allocated to the rotation isn't the only reason why matching the expected big offers Suarez receives. The Phillies have to pay Schwarber and Realmuto, along with the big-money investments into Trea Turner and Bryce Harper.

Dave Dombrowski and the Phillies need to pick and choose who to spend their money on, and with a strong rotation even without Saurez, letting him sign elsewhere, especially if he's going to be drawing such high offers, makes the most sense.

It'd be an unfortunate outcome for the fan favorite starter, especially with how much he's expressed his appreciation for the Phillies franchise. But his time in Philadelphia is seemingly coming to an end.

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Editorial Team