Phillies Eye Bullpen Boost with Potential Suarez Trade

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Phillies, coming off a disappointing playoff exit, are exploring ways to bolster their pitching staff for the 2025 season. Despite a strong regular season performance, the team’s pitching depth remains a concern, particularly in the bullpen.

Last season, the Phillies finished tied for the seventh-best ERA (3.81) in Major League Baseball. However, the lack of a reliable fifth starter and bullpen inconsistencies highlighted areas for improvement. Taijuan Walker struggled, and replacements failed to step up, prompting the team to seek reinforcements.

This offseason, the Phillies have already made moves by acquiring pitchers Jordan Romano and Jesús Luzardo, though both come with injury concerns. The departure of setup man Jeff Hoffman to the Toronto Blue Jays has further emphasized the need for reliable late-inning options.

One potential solution lies in a trade with the San Diego Padres for closer Robert Suarez. Suarez, a 2024 All-Star, posted a 2.77 ERA and recorded 36 saves last season. His high-velocity four-seam fastball, averaging 99.1 mph, aligns with the Phillies’ preference for power arms in the bullpen.

“The Phillies like high velocity coming out of the bullpen, and with Suarez relying on his 99.1 mph four-seamer 71 percent of the time, he’d fit right in,” wrote Michael Fisher of FanSided. Suarez’s contract, which includes a two-year, $16 million club option after the 2025 season, offers financial flexibility for the Phillies.

However, acquiring Suarez may require parting with prospects, though top talents like Andrew Painter and Aiden Miller are likely off the table. The Padres, facing financial uncertainty due to an ongoing lawsuit, may be motivated to shed payroll, making Suarez a logical trade candidate.

Meanwhile, the Phillies’ rotation appears set with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez, and Luzardo. However, the potential arrival of a top pitching prospect could force adjustments, possibly moving Ranger Suarez to the bullpen. Suarez, who began his career as a reliever, has struggled with durability as a starter, making a bullpen role a viable option to maximize his effectiveness.

“If anything, I could see them moving Suárez (or a different starter) to the bullpen,” speculated an analyst. “But my guess is not everyone stays healthy.”

Health remains a critical factor for the Phillies, who have enjoyed relatively good fortune with pitcher injuries in recent years. If the rotation stays intact, Suarez’s transition to the bullpen could provide stability and depth, particularly in high-leverage situations.

As the Phillies aim for a deeper playoff run in 2025, the potential addition of Suarez and strategic role adjustments could be key to addressing their pitching concerns.