The Padres are likely losing closer Robert Suarez this winter, despite having him under contract for two more years.
Suarez can opt out of the remaining two years and $16 million left on his five-year, $46 million deal. With the way he’s pitched this season, that’s looking like a foregone conclusion.
The 34-year-old leads the majors with 34 saves and has been selected as an All-Star in each of the past two seasons. His market value has jumped well beyond the $8 million annual salary he’d be walking away from.
“An All-Star in each of the past two seasons, Suarez has proven to be one of the more reliable closers in the game,” MLB insider Mark Feinsand wrote. “With a league-high 34 saves, Suarez will surely find a higher AAV than $8 million in free agency despite his age, so he will decline his options for 2026 and 2027.”
The numbers back that up. Spotrac pegs his market value at $14.6 million annually, while FanGraphs projects $15.5 million. That’s nearly double what he’s currently making.
Suarez owns a 3.09 ERA this season and still throws his fastball at 99 mph. He’s been one of the National League’s most dependable closers over the past two years.
Age isn’t on his side at 34, but his track record should land him a solid payday. The way I see it, he’d be leaving significant money on the table by staying put.
If Suarez does opt out as expected, the Padres will need to find a new closer and likely won’t be able to afford bringing him back at market rate. That’s where things get interesting for a team that’s been aggressive in recent years but might be facing payroll constraints.
