The Philadelphia Phillies are heading into free agency with some tough choices ahead, and it sounds like they might not be able to keep everyone they’d like.
Ranger Suarez is hitting the open market as one of the top starters available. The lefthander’s been a reliable piece of Philadelphia’s rotation, but according to Jon Heyman, the team’s top priority is bringing back Kyle Schwarber.
That’s where things get interesting.
The Phillies can’t sign everybody, and if they’re focusing their resources on keeping Schwarber in the lineup, Suarez might be looking for a new home. Bleacher Report thinks they know where he’ll land – and Phillies fans won’t like it.
“Prediction: Suárez signs a six-year deal with the Mets.”
Talk about adding salt to the wound. The New York Mets need rotation help, and Steve Cohen has shown he’s not afraid to spend whatever it takes to build a contender. If Cohen wants Suarez, he’s got the resources to make it happen.
From the Mets’ perspective, it makes sense. They’re looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs, and Suarez gives them exactly what they need – a proven starter who can eat innings and keep them competitive.
The 30-year-old Suarez posted a 3.20 ERA across 26 starts this season with 151 strikeouts. He’s been consistent for four years now, which should translate to a solid payday.
The question is whether teams will commit long-term to a pitcher who’s already 30. Six years would take Suarez through his age-35 season – that’s a significant investment for any organization.
But here’s the thing about Cohen and the Mets: they’re not necessarily worried about the back end of contracts if it means competing now. And Suarez’s track record suggests he’s got several good years left.
For the Phillies, losing Suarez to a division rival would sting twice. They’d be giving up a reliable starter while watching him help their competition get better.
All things considered, it’s still early in the process. The Phillies might find a way to keep both players, or they could decide Suarez is actually the bigger priority than Schwarber.
Either way, this free agency period is shaping up to be pivotal for Philadelphia’s championship window.
