As MLB speculations intensify throughout free agency, the New York Yankees are being linked to an abundance of players. The Yankees’ bullpen is one area they might try to improve this offseason.
By stealing one of the San Diego Padres’ best pitchers, New York is expected to make a significant statement. Will Laws and Nick Selbe of Sports Illustrated provided MLB free agency forecasts for the best players. Robert Suarez, a two-time All-Star, is expected to join the Yankees and contribute his hard-throwing skills to the bullpen.
In an article titled “MLB Free Agent Rankings and Signing Predictions,” published on November 7, 2025, Laws and Selbe wrote, “Suarez turned in his second dominant season in a row as the Padres’ closer, posting a sub-3.00 ERA and FIP to go along with 40 saves in 70 appearances.”
“Suarez has produced enough that he will be among the most sought-after closers on the market after Diaz, even though it’s possible that teams are worried about him maintaining that velocity into his late 30s.”
Let’s examine Suarez’s possible fit with New York and the most recent Yankees rumors.
Potential Yankees Target RP Robert Suarez Is Predicted to Land a 5-Year, $46 Million Contract
Suarez, one of the best closers in the league, just made consecutive All-Star selections. The pitcher recorded a career-high 40 saves in 2025 after recording 36 saves in 2024.
Suarez is regarded as the 22nd best free agent by Sports Illustrated. Suarez had previously signed a $46 million, five-year contract with the Padres.
Whether it’s with the Yankees or another team, the relief pitcher is probably going to get paid more. Suarez’s market value, according to Spotrac, is a four-year contract worth $67.3 million.
The Yankees Are Predicted to Have Splashy MLB Offseason
The Yankees are not anticipated to have a quiet offseason, either by acquiring Suarez or by making other changes. New York must make choices on a number of its own important players.
Cody Bellinger will become a free agent in Major League Baseball. Additionally, Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker has been linked to New York, which would probably indicate Bellinger’s tenure in Gotham City is coming to an end. The Yankees are ranked third among the clubs predicted to have the most spectacular offseason by MLB.com.
In a November 9 article titled “Here are the 5 biggest questions this offseason… and our predictions for each,” MLB.com explained that the Yankees’ World Series title drought is now at 16 seasons, the second-longest streak in franchise history, following their ALDS loss to the Blue Jays.
“The Bronx Bombers always have a win-now mentality, but they are under increasing pressure to take advantage of their captain’s prime as superstar slugger Aaron Judge gets ready to start his 34th season.”
Yankees Rumors: An Aggressive Market Forming for Cody Bellinger With Dodgers Looming as Potential Landing Spot
Regarding Bellinger’s future, the World Series winners may try to sign the star as a free agent. Brendan Kuty of The Athletic thinks Bellinger might be pursued by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Given the Los Angeles Dodgers need an outfielder and have a long history with him, expect the battle for Cody Bellinger to be more aggressive than many think,” Kuty wrote in an article published on November 6 titled “Four Yankees offseason priorities, from Cody Bellinger to pitching to… Pete Alonso? In the end, we anticipate that he will re-sign with the Yankees, where, aside from Aaron Judge, he was arguably the team’s MVP.
Bellinger offered leadership, a 125 OPS+, and the capacity to play four positions. The Yankees, who probably won’t extend the qualifying offer to Trent Grisham, might put him back in center field.