Based on recent comments from Dave Dombrowski, the Philadelphia Phillies’ president of baseball operations, it seemed reasonable to assume that Ranger Suárez would not be part of the team’s plans for next season. The tone surrounding Suárez’s future suggested that a reunion was unlikely, especially as the club weighed other financial priorities.
Still, that outcome is not completely locked in. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Suárez returning to Philadelphia remains at least a possibility, even if it is far from guaranteed. Bowden emphasized that much depends on whether the Phillies are willing to meet the left-hander’s price tag on the open market. While there is no indication the team is actively pushing to keep him, Bowden suggested the door has not fully closed.
“I get the impression the Phillies aren’t going to offer what it will take to retain Suárez, especially now that they committed $150 million to Kyle Schwarber,” Bowden wrote.
Bowden also outlined several teams that could emerge as strong suitors if Suárez does leave Philadelphia. He pointed to Baltimore as a particularly logical destination, noting its pressing need for starting pitching and Suárez’s relatively light workload over his career.
“No team needs a starter more than the Orioles. Suárez has low mileage on his arm in terms of career innings pitched and his incredible off-speed offerings make him a solid fit with the O’s,” Bowden explained.
Houston was mentioned as another potential landing spot, especially with questions in its rotation following Framber Valdez’s departure.
“The Astros are trying to replace Valdez in their rotation, and I think Suárez might be a good fit there, as well, since he’s likely to command a shorter commitment than Valdez, and Houston prefers shorter-term contracts for starters. A return to Philly would work if it has the dough to allocate to him,” he added.
Ultimately, bringing Suárez back at the right price would not be a bad outcome for the Phillies. But if the front office believes its resources are better spent elsewhere to stay competitive, it may decide that moving on is the smarter path.