Boston Red Sox Make A Splash Signing Ranger Suarez To $130 Million Deal

After making multiple trades, the Boston Red Sox have finally made a big splash in free agency. The Red Sox have signed LHP Ranger Suarez to a five-year, $130M deal per multiple reports. Boston has been looking to bolster their rotation all offseason and land one of the best arms on the open market. Suarez was their pivot move once Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs.

Red Sox Land Suarez

Despite battling injuries, Ranger Suarez has been one of Major League Baseball’s most consistent starting pitchers over the past three seasons. His effectiveness stems from his ability to get ground balls and limit walks. This past season, he pitched 157.2 innings with a 3.20 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. He’ll immediately slot in behind Garrett Crochet as Boston’s number-two starter.

While the contract is a high price, Boston is paying a premium for a pitcher who thrives in the playoffs. Suarez has a 1.48 ERA in the playoffs and proved to be clutch during his tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies. Boston’s rotation depth behind Crochet was very weak last season, and was exposed in their Wild Card series loss to the New York Yankees. With Suarez now signed, the rotation features Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suarez, Bryan Bello, Sonny Gray, and Johan Oviedo.

The AL East Is Absolutely Stacked

The American League has become baseball’s most competitive division, setting the stage for a great season. Nearly every team except the Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles are set to make another significant move.

The Toronto Blue Jays have been aggressively pursuing free agents with Kyle Tucker in their crosshairs. Meanwhile, the Yankees have finally sprung into action, acquiring Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins.

The Red Sox could be the wildcard heading into next season. With their pitching rotation solidified, Boston may be ready to make a splash for a high-end bat. Bo Bichette has long been linked to the Red Sox and would be an ideal fit alongside Roman Anthony, potentially filling the everyday second baseman role following Alex Bregman’s departure. While Boston hasn’t made multiple big signings in recent years, one bold move could change that narrative entirely.

The Red Sox Need To Do More

The Red Sox still have a lot of work to do if they want to have a chance against the Blue Jays, but they are in a good position, pitching-wise, to make a deep playoff run. They need to find someone who can fill the offensive gap that Alex Bregman created when he left for Chicago. Wilson Conteras was a great start, but they need another piece in the infield and the outfield. 

The last piece to the puzzle for Boston could be Bo Bichette. The question of whether they’re actually willing to spend a ton of money to get him remains. The Philadelphia Phillies are the frontrunners for Bichette, but the Red Sox could be a dark horse in his sweepstakes.