Padres Expected to Lose Another Key Pitcher After Dylan Cease Signing
by Jon Conahan
The San Diego Padres are poised to see major changes to their pitching staff next seasonboth in the rotation and the bullpen. One under-the-radar concern is the potential departure of Robert Suarez, a crucial part of a relief unit that was arguably the team’s strongest asset. When the Padres carried a lead into the sixth or seventh inning, it was usually safe thanks to dominant arms like Suarez and Mason Miller.
Whether San Diego is willing to meet Suarez’s asking price remains unclear, and there’s a growing belief he may command far more on the open market than many expected.
After Raisel Iglesias secured a big one-year, $16 million deal with the Atlanta Braves, Suarezgiven his productioncould be in line for an even greater contract. That may be one reason why Sports Illustrated’s Will Laws recently projected Suarez to land with the New York Yankees.
“Suarez delivered his second straight dominant season as the Padres’ closer, finishing with a sub-3.00 ERA and FIP along with 40 saves in 70 games,” Laws wrote. “He brings big velocity, and although some teams might worry about how that will hold up as he enters his late 30s, he has shown enough to be one of the most coveted closers available after Díaz.”
While the Padres have historically excelled at uncovering hidden bullpen gems, losing Suarezwho just led the National League in saveswould still be a significant blow.
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