The Boston Red Sox continue to build their roster this offseason. The New York Post‘s Jon Heyman reports that the Red Sox have agreed to a deal with left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez. Bob Nightengale of USA Today adds it’s a five-year, $130 million deal, with no deferrals or opt-outs.
One additional perk for the Red Sox is that Suarez, 30, has been a proven postseason performer. In 11 postseason appearances, eight starts, he is 4-1 with a 1.48 ERA in 42.2 innings. His sole loss came in Game 7 of the 2023 National League Championship Series to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Since becoming a full-time starter in 2022, he’s been a reliable arm for the Philadelphia Phillies. He’s started 104 games over the past four seasons, pitching to a 3.59 ERA with a 21.9% strikeout rate and a 7.5% walk rate over 588.1 innings. He’s logged at least 150 innings in three of the past four seasons.
The Red Sox and president of baseball operations Craig Breslow were the targets of intense criticism in the wake of losing Alex Bregman in free agency. They had a $165 million offer for their third baseman, who signed with the Chicago Cubs. Instead, that money will go to Suarez, which could end up being a better move for Boston in the long run.
By signing a free agent who rejected a qualifying offer, the Red Sox will forfeit their second round pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Ranger Suarez Addition Gives Red Sox an Elite Rotation
Suarez becomes the third rotation move of the offseason for the Red Sox. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported earlier on January 14 that the club would pivot towards a pair of rotation targets. They had already swung trades to acquire Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals and Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Red Sox already had a very strong rotation before they signed Suarez due to their previous moves. However, the deal now gives Boston the type of starting five it needs to be a top-flight contender.
Here’s how their rotation projects in 2026, per Roster Resource.
- LHP Garrett Crochet
- LHP Ranger Suarez
- RHP Sonny Gray
- RHP Brayan Bello
- RHP Johan Oviedo
Boston has enviable starting pitching depth beyond their initial five starters. Left-hander Patrick Sandoval is an option, although he’s been slow to recover from 2024 Tommy John surgery. The Red Sox are high on Payton Tolle and Connelly Early, two of the top left-handed pitching prospects in the game. Kyle Harrison, Jake Bennett, and Tyler Ubersteine should also be depth options in the minors.
The American League East has having an arms race for starting pitching this offseason. The Toronto Blue Jays landed Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce in free agency. The Baltimore Orioles swung a trade within the division for Shane Baz. And the Red Sox’s hated rival, the New York Yankees, acquired left-hander Ryan Weathers from the Marlins on January 13.
What’s Next for the Red Sox?
The Red Sox have their rotation set for 2026, so their remaining moves should be to address the lineup. While they added Willson Contreras in a trade with the Cardinals, they still need to figure out how they’ll replace Bregman.
On Foul Territory’s January 14 episode, Nightengale didn’t rule out Boston re-engaging in a Ketel Marte trade. The Diamondbacks pulled their three-time All-Star out of the trade market due to a lack of strong offers. Boston has the starting pitching that Arizona was pursuing in a potential Marte deal, but it’s unlikely talks will restart.
Alternatively, the club could consider playing Marcelo Mayer at third base. That could free them up to improve their offense at other positions.
Bo Bichette is one option, if they wanted to go the second base route. However, Heyman reported on an appearance for MLB Network that “there is momentum to get [a deal] done” with the Phillies.
If Boston wants to get a bat in the trade market, they have plenty of capital. They could dangle Bello, whose availability other teams have gauged this offseason, as the headliner. Potential options include Nico Hoerner and Brendan Donovan if they want to address the infield.
Red Sox Strengthen Rotation, Sign Proven Postseason Starter Ranger Suarez