DONE DEAL JUST IN: Philadelphia Phillies sign another All-Star Starter in Trade Package

 

If an opportunity arises for the Philadelphia Phillies to make a trade that strengthens their major league roster, they are expected to pursue it.

Over the past few months, the Phillies have signaled a willingness to trade certain players, but only if it lands them a player who can make an immediate impact. Achieving that without parting with prospects is challenging, but Philadelphia has MLB-ready talent they could move if necessary.

One potential trade candidate is Ranger Suárez. With the addition of left-hander Jesús Luzardo, Suárez could draw interest from other teams. In the first half of 2024, Suárez was among the better starting pitchers in MLB, though he struggled significantly in the second half.

To Suárez’s credit, his struggles mirrored those of many teammates in the latter part of the season. He also pitched well in the postseason, throwing 4 1/3 scoreless innings in his lone NLDS start.

Suárez is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season. While the Phillies have the financial flexibility to retain him, their deep rotation could make trading him a viable option if everyone remains healthy.

Jovan Alford of FanSided suggests that the Phillies might consider moving on from Suárez, citing Luzardo’s arrival as a key factor.

“After acquiring Jesús Luzardo in a trade from the Miami Marlins last month, the Phillies could move on from Suárez before the start of the 2025 season or at the trade deadline. The 29-year-old left-handed pitcher is up for arbitration, which hasn’t been settled for 2025, and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. The Phillies face a good problem with their surplus of starting pitchers, but this could leave Suárez as the odd man out.”

Having an abundance of quality arms is a luxury for the Phillies, but it’s also worth considering the potential impact of injuries. Luzardo, for instance, has had a history of durability issues, which could complicate matters if Suárez were traded.

Ultimately, the front office should only trade Suárez if it leads to a clear upgrade in another area. Making a move just for the sake of it would be difficult to justify.