The offseason is moving quickly, but one major question continues to hover over the Philadelphia Phillies — who is replacing Ranger Suárez? Letting an All-Star caliber arm walk away is never a small gamble, and with early rotation concerns already surfacing, the pressure is mounting in Philadelphia. A team built to contend cannot afford instability on the mound, especially in a National League that grows more competitive each year.
Right now, the Phillies’ biggest weakness is obvious. The rotation, which once looked like a strength, suddenly feels fragile. Injuries and departures have thinned the depth, leaving uncertainty behind some of the club’s top arms. In particular, Zack Wheeler’s recovery from thoracic outlet surgery clouds the immediate outlook. Even if he returns early in the season, there’s no guarantee he’ll be the same dominant force right away. Meanwhile, Suárez’s departure created a clear vacancy — one the front office has yet to meaningfully address.
That’s where speculation begins to intensify.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline predicts that Philadelphia could eventually land a high-profile solution: three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer. The fit makes sense on paper. Scherzer has publicly expressed interest in joining a contender with an opening in its rotation, and the Phillies certainly check both boxes. However, this wouldn’t necessarily be a move made overnight. Kline suggests the organization may first evaluate its internal options, allowing younger arms or depth pieces an opportunity to step up. If those experiments fall short, Memorial Day could become the unofficial decision point — a moment when urgency overrides patience.
Scherzer’s willingness to wait adds another intriguing layer. Rather than rushing into a deal during spring training, he appears content to assess the landscape once the season unfolds. That patience could work in Philadelphia’s favor if early struggles expose a glaring need. For a team with championship aspirations, adding a veteran with postseason pedigree could provide both stability and swagger.
Admittedly, Scherzer’s most recent regular season numbers were not vintage. He finished with a 5-5 record and a 5.19 ERA, striking out 82 batters with a 1.294 WHIP over 85 innings. Injuries clearly disrupted his rhythm and availability. Yet numbers alone don’t fully capture his impact. When October arrived, he reminded everyone why “Mad Max” still commands respect across the league. His competitive edge, experience, and ability to elevate in high-pressure situations remain valuable assets for any contender.
For the Phillies, this decision ultimately comes down to risk versus reward. Do they trust their current group to stabilize, or do they invest in a proven veteran who could raise the ceiling of an already talented roster? As the season approaches, the rotation question grows louder. If internal solutions falter, don’t be surprised if Philadelphia turns to one of baseball’s most battle-tested arms to steady the ship and keep their championship window wide open.