By Aaliyan MohammedShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Philadelphia Phillies' starting rotation was one of the best in baseball last season, but a key member is currently a free agent.
The Phillies starters had the second-best ERA in baseball last season. Ranger Suárez had another great year and is one of the best pitchers on the open market. With many teams potentially trying to land him, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicted he would sign with the Chicago Cubs.
"Even with Shota Imanaga making the surprising decision to accept his qualifying offer and Colin Rea brought back on a one-year deal with a club option for 2027, the Cubs are still expected to be major players at the top of the starting pitching market," wrote Reuter. "With a 52.0 percent career groundball rate, Ranger Suárez looks like the ideal target to pitch in front of a strong defensive infield anchored by Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson up the middle. The Cubs will also get Justin Steele back at some point in 2026, though he is not expected to be ready for Opening Day."
...Suarez was an All-Star in 2024 and had an even better ERA last season. In 26 starts, he posted a 3.20 ERA and allowed just one run in his lone postseason start. However, the Phillies have Andrew Painter awaiting his shot in the big leagues and may feel less inclined to pay Suárez.
Suárez is projected to sign a six-year, $161 million deal this winter. He would be a great addition to a rotation that is set to feature Cade Horton, Imanaga, Matthew Boyd and Steele.
More MLB: Yankees GM Drops 1-Word Spending Message After Trent Grisham Move
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