Although the Philadelphia Phillies’ 2024 season ended earlier than anticipated, starting pitcher Ranger Suarez had a commendable campaign. As he approaches his final year of arbitration in 2025, there is speculation about whether president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski will consider a contract extension for the homegrown All-Star.
During an end-of-season press conference following the Phillies’ NLDS elimination by the New York Mets, Dombrowski was measured in his comments.
“We like Ranger a lot,” Dombrowski stated, according to Destiny Lugardo of Phillies Nation. “We preferred the Ranger from the first half of the season to the second half. There were various factors at play from his perspective, but he’s a solid pitcher. We’re all very open to keeping Ranger in the organization long-term.”
In the 2024 season, Suarez made his third consecutive appearance as a starting pitcher. He received his first All-Star Game selection while achieving career-best numbers, including a 3.46 ERA and 145 strikeouts over 150.2 innings pitched. This past season, he earned $5.05 million, and Spotrac projects his salary for 2025 to be around $11.3 million, reflecting a 123% increase.
Ranger Suarez Had Two Seasons in One for the Phillies in 2024
Ranger Suarez’s 2024 season exhibited a stark contrast between his first half and his performance after the All-Star break. He began the season strong, achieving a 10-4 record with a 2.76 ERA over his first 114 innings. His early success was particularly notable during the first two months, where he pitched 72 innings, racking up a remarkable 10-1 record, a 1.75 ERA, and 77 strikeouts. During this stretch, opposing hitters struggled significantly against him, posting an OPS of just .497.
However, Suarez’s performance declined sharply in the second half of the season. He faced challenges that included a stint on the injured list due to back issues. After maintaining a 3.48 ERA in June over 31 innings, he could not achieve an ERA below 5.00 in any of the final three months, finishing the season with a 5.65 ERA in his last 36.2 innings. This drop-off raises questions about his durability and consistency, which could impact discussions about a potential contract extension as he heads into his final year of arbitration.
The Phillies Love Having Ranger Suarez in the Postseason
In his role as the NLDS Game 4 starter for the Philadelphia Phillies, Ranger Suarez faced a challenging situation against the New York Mets, ultimately leading to the team’s elimination from the postseason. Despite not going deep into the game—pitching just 4.1 innings—he demonstrated resilience by striking out eight batters and not allowing a run, although he did give up five hits and four walks.
Suarez has gained valuable postseason experience over the past three years with the Phillies, showing effectiveness when it matters most. Across 37.2 career postseason innings, he boasts an impressive 1.43 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts. This track record of performance under pressure will undoubtedly play a significant role in his marketability as he heads into the 2025 season.
If the Phillies do not negotiate a contract extension this winter, Suarez’s projected salary for 2025 could be substantial. Spotrac estimates his market value at nearly $95 million for a five-year deal, while Bleacher Report suggests a range between $70 million and $80 million. These projections are influenced by his inconsistency after a strong start in 2024, but if Suarez can regain his early-season form and avoid significant injuries, he might well command a deal approaching $100 million. This potential for high earnings reflects not only his talent but also the increasing value placed on pitchers who can perform effectively in high-pressure situations.
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