Could the Phillies be preparing to extend another member of their starting rotation?
After Cristopher Sánchez signed a four-year, $22.5 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies on June 23, the team now has commitments to Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler for several seasons following their extensions last offseason.
Speculation is mounting that the Phillies are aiming to secure another pitcher with a multi-year deal. The latest reports suggest they are focusing on Ranger Suárez, who is enjoying a standout season.
According to MLB insider Jim Bowden, who shared his insights on MLB Radio after Sánchez’s extension was announced, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is actively pursuing an extension for Suárez.
“It seems Dave has been laying the groundwork for this Sánchez extension for some time,” Bowden remarked. “There’s also talk of ongoing negotiations with Ranger Suárez, who will become a free agent after the 2025 season.”
The Phillies’ efforts to lock down Suárez reflect their strategy to maintain a strong pitching rotation for the foreseeable future. As Suárez continues to excel, discussions on a contract extension underscore the team’s commitment to solidifying their roster and remaining competitive in the league.
Philadelphia has the opportunity to secure an extension with Suárez before he enters free agency after the upcoming season, potentially offering financial advantages compared to negotiating a new deal on the open market, akin to Nola’s situation last year. The Venezuelan pitcher is currently earning $5.05 million in 2024 and faces arbitration eligibility for the final time this offseason.
Despite a rocky start against the Atlanta Braves in late March, Suárez rebounded strongly, boasting a flawless 5-0 record and an impressive 0.75 ERA across five April appearances. He went on to maintain his form into May, securing wins in four out of five starts and achieving notable performances such as striking out nine batters against the Miami Marlins on May 10 and again versus the Colorado Rockies on May 26. His dominance continued with a ten-strikeout outing against the Texas Rangers on May 21.
Suárez’s exceptional performance this season has not gone unnoticed, positioning him as a serious contender for the NL Cy Young Award based on his consistency and standout statistics in the first half of the regular season. His reliability on the mound complements the Phillies’ formidable starting rotation, which includes Wheeler and Nola, arguably making them one of the best trios in Major League Baseball. This collective strength helped Philadelphia become the first team to reach 50 wins following their June 22 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
With Suárez proving himself as a dependable starter since joining the regular rotation in 2022, it seems inevitable that Philadelphia will negotiate a multi-year contract extension with him. His stellar performance in the first half of the season underscores his value to the organization, paving the way for discussions on securing his future with the team.
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