The Red Sox have made their first real free agency signing of the offseason — and it’s a big one.
Boston on Wednesday agreed to a deal with left-handed starting pitcher Ranger Suarez, according to multiple reports. Insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post was the first to report news of the Red Sox signing Suarez, who was arguably the top pitcher left in free agency.
Heyman added that Suarez’s contract is worth $130 million over five years. Chris Cotillo of MassLive noted the deal doesn’t include any opt-outs or no-trade clauses.
That’s a significant investment from the Red Sox, who likely will pencil Suarez in as their No. 2 starter behind ace Garrett Crochet.
Suarez, 29, spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, including the last four as a full-time starter. From 2022 through 2025, Suarez went 38-29 with a 3.59 ERA and 1.287 WHIP in 104 starts. He made the National League All-Star team in 2024 when he posted a 3.46 ERA across 27 starts.
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The focus now will turn toward what the Red Sox will do with their remaining surplus of starting pitchers.
With Crotchet, Suarez, Sonny Gray and Brayan Bello seemingly locked into spots, there are few left for the likes of Johan Oviedo, Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, Kyle Harrison, Patrick Sandoval and Kutter Crawford. Something has to give.
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Boston also still must address multiple holes on the diamond, including one in the infield left by Alex Bregman, who recently signed with the Chicago Cubs.
But there is still plenty of time for the Red Sox to sort out those problems. For now, fans can celebrate a major addition to what now looks like one of the best rotations in baseball.
Featured image via Bill Streicher/Imagn Images
