New whispers from MLB execs suggest a jaw-dropping destination for Ranger Suárez that could shake up the Phillies’ offseason. DD
This would be jaw-dropping, to say the least.
The Phillies still appear as the fit for Ranger Suárez. | Chris Coduto/GettyImages
The Philadelphia Phillies are currently searching the free agent market to make their MLB roster more formidable next postseason. While trying to improve, they’re also battling the loss of big pieces to their club in free agency. They’re at risk of losing Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Ranger Suárez.
The left-hander Suárez will be a very sought-after commodity this winter and will give any team he signs with a massive boost.
The 2025 MLB Winter Meetings are taking place next week, which also means that an assortment of moves could take place relatively soon. Suárez’s name will come up as being one of the best available starters, backed by his agent Scott Boras. He could land on any team, but some MLB executives have predicted a shocking landing spot for Suárez: Philadelphia.
Could Ranger Suárez really land back with the Phillies?
According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, in a poll of MLB executives Suárez’s top predicted landing spot was back to the Phillies, tied at four votes with the Boston Red Sox. Rogers is hearing that executives are of the belief that the temporary loss of ace Zack Wheeler will fuel the Phillies desire to keep Suárez.
“With [Zack] Wheeler out, I think Suárez goes back to Philadelphia,” one anonymous executive said, per Rogers. “It’s kind of like Schwarber. They need him more than he needs them.”
Suárez had another great year in 2025 with a 12-8 record, 3.20 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 151 strikeouts in 157 1/3 innings. He’s been consistent with the Phillies since he debuted in 2018. He’s also grown up in the Phillies organization since he signed as a Venezuelan international free agent as a teenager.
It’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Phillies want to bring back their stud lefty. It’s just a little shocking to expect him to come back, given how the Phillies have approached the topic of their departing free agents.
They can’t afford to bring back all three, and the rotation will also need room for top prospect Andrew Painter (subscription required). According to Spotrac, Suárez’s expected market value is around six years, $161 million, approaching $30 million per year. The limited market could also make it more expensive after Dylan Cease’s deal with the Toronto Blue Jays came in at $30 million across seven years.
The Phillies can’t really afford to lose such a massive power bat in Schwarber, who finished runner-up in the NL MVP voting. They also don’t have a potential replacement for such a great catcher in Realmuto, even in his mid-30s. Suárez always seemed like the odd man out, with the Phillies fighting against another potentially inflated payroll in 2026.
