The Philadelphia Phillies have had a relatively quiet offseason, which may come as a surprise to some, but they appear satisfied with the current state of the team.
Following an early postseason exit, there was speculation that significant changes might be on the horizon. However, while the bullpen underwent some adjustments, the sweeping changes many expected didn’t materialize.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Phillies aim to remain contenders. The roster remains largely intact from last season, with the notable addition of a potentially improved starting rotation.
That said, their disappointing early playoff exit in 2024 raises concerns. The front office will need to continue exploring ways to strengthen the team both in the short and long term.
Zachary D. Rymer of *Bleacher Report* recently discussed potential moves the Phillies might consider before Spring Training. While the team has addressed certain offseason needs, Rymer suggested they could look into trading some veteran players, including Alec Bohm, Nick Castellanos, and Ranger Suárez.
Suárez, in particular, might be more expendable following the acquisition of Jesús Luzardo. The 29-year-old left-hander has been a reliable starter for the Phillies, boasting a career 3.42 ERA. Despite his solid performance, he has yet to surpass 160 innings in a single season. With Suárez entering the final year of his contract before free agency, the Phillies may have decided against offering him a long-term deal.
The addition of Luzardo not only fills a spot in the rotation but also provides flexibility if the Phillies choose to part ways with Suárez. Additionally, with top prospect Andrew Painter potentially ready to make his MLB debut, the team could consider trading Suárez to acquire prospects, especially if Luzardo and Painter perform well.
If the Phillies don’t plan to retain Suárez beyond 2025, moving him in a trade would be a practical way to avoid losing him for nothing in free agency. While an immediate trade seems unlikely, Suárez’s status will be worth monitoring as the trade market evolves.
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