The Boston Red Sox still need more help in the bullpen, as they haven’t made enough significant additions to the group this offseason despite losing their closer (Kenley Jansen) and top setup man (Chris Martin) over the last few seasons.
While there aren’t many intriguing options left on the market, Boston could still swing a trade, and one of the top names available on the trade block is San Diego Padres reliever Robert Suarez.
In his 2025 Red Sox roster projection, MassLive’s Chris Cotillo predicted that the club will trade for the 33-year-old before the season starts.
“Even though most of the top free agent names have already signed, the Red Sox could still use another talented righty and have the money to take on Suárez’s salary ($10 million in 2025 before an opt-out) in a trade with the Padres,” Cotillo wrote. “He’s a strong fit, as are free agents David Robertson and Kyle Finnegan and Cardinals trade candidate Ryan Helsley. Bullpen is definitely a spot where the Red Sox can (and should) flex some financial muscle as the season approaches.”
Suarez began his career in the Mexican League before spending six seasons in Japan with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (2016-19) an Hanshin Tigers (2020-21).
The Padres signed Suarez heading into 2022, and he made his debut early that year. After a strong first season, San Diego signed him to a five-year, $46 million contract.
Over three seasons with San Diego, Suarez has recorded a 2.89 ERA, 1.019 WHIP and 9.2 K/9 in 136 outings (140 1/3 innings).
Last year, Suarez appeared in 65 games, posting a 2.77 ERA, 1.046 WHIP and 8.2 K/9 over 65 innings. He also earned All-Star honors for the first time in his career.
At this point, the Red Sox will probably have some competition for the closing role between Liam Hendriks and Aroldis Chapman, but neither is the strongest choice. Suarez could come in and fill that role for Boston right away, and that’s why they need to make it happen.
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