Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suárez has had a wild last two years: an All-Star appearance, some major struggles, some injury concerns, and now, a streak of utter dominance.
Suárez is shutting down opposing batters as well as any pitcher in the sport since early May. He’s a key cog in the most well-rounded rotation in the National League, and after barely earning a playoff start last year, he’d be a candidate to take the ball in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.
Of course, all of Suárez’s success is coming against the backdrop of his looming free agency. He’ll hit the open market in November, and after there was little consideration to an extension for the lefty this winter, it’s looking like the Phillies will be out lots of extra millions if they’re going to keep him.
On Sunday, USA Today insider Bob Nightengale asserted his belief that free agency is going to be extremely lucrative for the 29-year-old Suárez.
“Phillies starter Ranger Suarez is having a walk year for the ages,” Nightengale wrote. “Check out his last 10 starts:
- 1.19 ERA
- 68⅓ innings
- 0.92 WHIP
- .195 opponents’ batting average
- He’s about to be paid.”
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On the season, Suárez now owns a 1.99 ERA and 3.4 bWAR in 12 starts. He’s struck out 73 batters and walked only 19 in 77 1/3 innings. His FIP of 2.99 is also a career low.
This season, Suárez is making only $8.8 million in arbitration. His most recent free agency projection from Spotrac is three years and $45 million, which is criminally low and relies heavily on his struggles at the end of last season.
He’s going to at least challenge the $100 million mark if he keeps this up. Will the Phillies answer the bell or let him walk?
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