Red Sox Division Rival Had ‘Strong Interest’ In Ranger Suárez
Suárez was coveted by at least a few teams.
By signing Ranger Suárez on Wednesday, the Boston Red Sox killed two birds with one stone. Not only did the Red Sox fulfill their need for a true No. 2 starter, they also prevented their American League East rivals from acquiring Suárez.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Baltimore Orioles were in on Suárez. Nightengale says the O’s had “strong interest” in him.
Suárez delivered a solid 2025 campaign for the Philadelphia Phillies, despite bookend injuries. Starting the season on the injured list with back stiffness, he returned to post a 12-8 record with a 3.20 ERA over 26 starts and 157 1/3 innings. Suárez struck out 151 batters while walking just 38, showcasing command and earning a 4.0 fWAR. His season ended prematurely after a line-drive comebacker to his leg in late September, but he contributed in the postseason with a strong five-inning outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing one run.
Over his career, Suárez has evolved from a 2018 debutant reliever into a dependable starter since 2021. Signed as an international free agent from Venezuela in 2012, he’s amassed a 53-37 record, 3.38 ERA, and 705 strikeouts across 187 games and 762 innings. His 2024 All-Star nod marked a peak, following years of steady growth in the Phillies’ system.
