Copyright newsweek
The Philadelphia Phillies might be tempted to reboot their roster after winning just two playoff games in the last two years combined, but a return for most of the players seems more likely. For one thing, the Phillies are locked into long-term contracts for their biggest names, including Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and others. And their most consequential pending free agents in Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto both seem likely to forge reunions with the team. If the Phillies are going to move on from any star player this winter, it seems like Ranger Suarez is the most likely candidate. DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JUNE 25: Ranger Suarez #55 of the Philadelphia Phillies in the dugout in the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images) “Suarez might just be the odd man out because the Phillies want to prioritize other places on the roster,” Matt Gelb wrote for The Athletic. “But the rise of two lefties, Christopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo, might mitigate what’s lost if Suarez walks.” With two young replacements for Suarez already on the roster, a new contract for the free agent seems doubtful. And with the money the team would retain by letting Suarez walk, it could lock one of those younger replacements in for a long time. “If the Phillies cannot re-sign Suarez, they could devote more attention to an extension for Luzardo, who is under club control through next season,” Gelb added. “He throws harder, is two years younger, and logged more innings in 2025 than Suarez ever has in a regular season.” There are plenty of reasons to believe the Phillies would prefer an extension for Luzardo over a new contract for Suarez. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski recently highlighted his affection for Luzardo and indicated that he would like to find a way to keep him around. Tim Kelly of On Pattison projected that it would cost about $70 million for a four-year extension that covers Luzardo’s final year of arbitration next season. And if that’s the case, then a Phillies’ decision to move on from Suarez could secure a new deal for their other southpaw. More MLB: Scary Shohei Ohtani Health News Disclosed After Brutal World Series Game
