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Phillies’ Ranger Suarez Surprisingly Considered Trade Candidate Ahead of Deadline for One Reason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 2:20 PM ET

Could the Philadelphia Phillies really trade Ranger Suarez?

The 29-year-old has been phenomenal in his eighth campaign with the Phillies, going 7-2 with a 2.00 ERA, a 2.88 FIP, and 67 strikeouts to 17 walks over 11 starts and 72 innings.

However, this is also a Philadelphia team with a surplus of starting pitchers and other areas of concern to address at the trade deadline.

Here is what Tony Blengino of Forbes had to say:

“In a vacuum, Suarez represents an incredible trade chip," Blengino wrote. "He is a free agent at the end of the season, has an affordable $8.8 million salary for 2025, and might represent the cleanest path toward the shoring up of the Phils’ weaker areas, like the bullpen and the outfield.”

Trading Suarez right now, with Aaron Nola still on the mend, would leave the Phillies thin in the starting rotation. But, should they feel like Nola can rediscover his stuff upon his return to the mound, Suárez is arguably their most tantalizing and expendable trade asset.

As a pending free agent, all contenders should at least inquire about his availability, and while the rental price tag will not generate a significant haul, his production this year warrants at least a respectable package of prospects.

Philadelphia also has Zack Wheeler (2.27 ERA, 2.55 FIP), Christopher Sanchez (2.68 ERA, 2.86 FIP), and Jesús Luzardo (4.06 ERA, 2.75 FIP) to fall back on. Nola needs to be himself for the Phillies to go on a deep, October run, so let’s assume the best-case scenario with him.

Then, there is rookie Mick Abel, who has struggled (5.04 ERA, 6.25 FIP) but still possesses electrifying stuff and represents part of the future of the staff.

Speaking of the future, No. 1 prospect RHP Andrew Painter, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery, is expected to join the team sometime after the All-Star break.

A potential six-man rotation of Wheeler, Sanchez, Luzardo, Nola, Abel, and Painter would more than ease the loss of Suárez, plus, there would likely be outfield or bullpen reinforcements.

It may sound crazy, but trading Suárez is far from unrealistic.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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