The San Diego Padres are reportedly looking into trading some of their stars to manage payroll and address roster needs. While no moves seem imminent, general manager A.J. Preller is actively monitoring the market and evaluating potential trade assets. One key asset could be right-hander Robert Suárez. Suárez, who is 33, has stood out in San Diego, and trading him this offseason could help the Padres strengthen other areas of their roster.
Padres Trading Robert Suárez
Suárez joined the Padres in 2021 after a successful run in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and Hanshin Tigers. Despite dealing with injuries during his rookie MLB season, he quickly became an essential part of the Padres’ bullpen, serving as an electric setup man for former closer Josh Hader. Suárez’s strong performance led to a five-year, ** $ 46 million contract** after the 2022 season, when he opted out of his initial deal.
While this contract was well-deserved, Suárez has the opportunity to potentially earn more, as he is set to make $10 million in 2025 but holds an opt-out clause he may use to seek a larger contract. Although an extension is a possibility, recent financial decisions by the Padres make that less likely. Trading Suárez this winter could be the smartest decision for the Padres to gain valuable assets while his trade value remains high.
A Rollercoaster Season
In his inaugural season as the Padres’ closer, Suárez excelled early on, recording a 1.67 ERA with 22 saves and 35 strikeouts in the first half, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top closers. However, his performance declined after the All-Star break, resulting in a 4.28 ERA and 13 earned runs in the second half. Several blown saves raised questions about his position as closer.
Despite late-season struggles, Suárez managed to maintain his role throughout the postseason. Nevertheless, his inconsistent performance in the second half raises concerns. Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla has been collaborating with Suárez to develop a more diverse pitching repertoire to complement his fastball-focused strategy. Whether these adjustments will be effective remains uncertain. If the Padres anticipate further decline in Suárez’s performance for 2025, this may be the optimal time to trade him and capitalize on his value.
Current Closer Market
Recently, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman highlighted that the closer market has been slow to develop, with several prominent names still available. Among those is former Padre Tanner Scott, whose price may exceed the Padres’ range. However, this dynamic could benefit the Padres.
Teams looking for affordable bullpen help may find Suárez an attractive alternative to pricier free agents, even if he ends up being a one-year addition. His age, All-Star credentials, and cost-effectiveness could make him more appealing than veterans like Kirby Yates or Kenley Jansen. The recent trade by the Yankees for Devin Williams indicates teams are considering trades rather than solely relying on free agency. Preller is likely already receiving inquiries about Suárez.
Padres’ Bullpen Depth
The Padres’ ability to consider trading Suárez is bolstered by their bullpen depth. Even with the expected departure of Scott, the team has several high-leverage options. Jason Adam and Jeremiah Estrada are strong candidates to take over the closer role, while Yuki Matsui, Bryan Hoeing, and Sean Reynolds add further depth.
Matsui, a 29-year-old lefty entering his second MLB season after transitioning from Japan, has the potential to become a breakout reliever in 2025. The Padres are optimistic about his development and believe he can progress significantly. The same applies to Reynolds. With this depth, San Diego possesses the resources to manage Suárez’s departure while also addressing other roster needs.
For a team focused on balancing payroll concerns with roster enhancements, trading Suárez makes strategic sense. His current value, combined with the team’s bullpen depth, allows Preller to explore deals that enhance the Padres’ overall roster.
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