The Toronto Blue Jays boast a strong starting rotation featuring Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, and Chris Bassitt, but the group is missing a left-handed arm.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies have no shortage of southpaws, and one of them is expected to test free agency once the season wraps up. With Philadelphia preparing to lock Kyle Schwarber into a long-term deal this winter, Ranger Suárez is now the odd man out. A big postseason showing could further boost his market value and increase the average annual salary on his next contract.
Suárez has delivered an impressive campaign for the Phillies, logging 153 innings with a 3.12 ERA across 25 starts. He’s earned a reputation for limiting home runs and maintaining excellent command.
In a recent Bleacher Report article, Joe Tansey confirms Suárez would join the Blue Jays in free agency:
“Suárez would be a good fit in Toronto because he balances out the current rotation the Blue Jays have. Adding a lefthander who can get batters out in different ways would be a nice complement to Gausman and Bieber. The Orioles could chase Suárez, but Trevor Rogers fits a similar profile at the top of their rotation.”
Suárez signs with the Blue Jays
Beyond his consistency, Suárez has shown the ability to notch wins. He’s recorded three double-digit win seasons in the last four years and surpassed 150 innings in three of those campaigns as well.
With Philadelphia’s payroll already heavily tied to its pitching staff, it seems likely the team will move on from the 30-year-old. The decision ultimately rests with whichever club is willing to offer him a long-term deal.