The Philadelphia Phillies find themselves in a challenging spot: they continue to post impressive regular-season records but consistently fall short of capturing a World Series title.
Over the past two years, they’ve won the NL East with a roster built to dominate the regular season. Yet both times, they were knocked out early in the playoffs, prompting doubts about whether their current formula can truly deliver a championship.
This offseason gives Philadelphia a real chance to reset. Veteran pillars JT Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, and Ranger Suárez have all reached free agency, giving the front office the option to turn the page and retool the roster.
While Schwarber and Realmuto are expected to return, reports indicate the Phillies plan to part ways with Suárez, who is pursuing a substantial long-term deal.
“No one has said it aloud but the Phillies have made it clear they do not expect to be bidding on Ranger Suarez, who should score a nine-figure deal this winter,” Phillies insider Matt Gelb reported for The Athletic. “As of now, they are not in the rotation market.”
The Phillies do seem relatively stacked in the pitching department, even without Suarez returning. The team has Aaron Nola, Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez ready to return to significant roles, with top prospect Andrew Painter waiting in the wings and Taijuan Walker entering the final year of his contract. Zack Wheeler could return from an offseason surgery before the start of the season as well.
However, Suarez has played a key role in the rotation for several years.
In 2024, he enjoyed an All-Star campaign with a 3.46 ERA across 27 total starts. But this past season he might have been even better, logging a 3.20 ERA in 26 total starts.
Suarez should be one of the most coveted pitchers on the free agent market, so as important as he’s been, the Phillies might be looking to allocate the money it would take to retain him elsewhere.
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