Dodgers Linked to Shock Chase For Robert Suarez

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been making some noise this offseason, and the pursuit of high-impact reduction places Robert Suarez firmly on their radar.

As probably the most dominant closers obtainable, Suarez meets the Dodgers’ want for elite bullpen assist with out having to make a long-term dedication.

Dodgers Target High-Leverage Bullpen Help

It’s no secret that the Dodgers want a dependable late-inning arm. Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo of The Athletic stated that there have been reviews that L.A. prefers a short-term deal for a better who can deal with pressure-packed conditions.

Suarez suits that plan completely. His age naturally limits how lengthy a contract he’d obtain, however his efficiency stays among the many greatest within the recreation.

Over the course of his final 4 seasons with the San Diego Padres, the 34-year-old pitcher cemented a fame as one of many league’s prime relievers. He notched a sub-3.00 ERA three separate instances and turned in a glowing 2.97 ERA by way of a career-high 69 2/3 innings in 2024. He led the National League with 40 saves and tallied an MLB-best 76 saves over the past two seasons.

Robert Suarez Flexes Velocity, Command, and Consistency

Suarez is definitely one of many hardest throwers within the majors, averaging an electrical 98.6 MPH on his fastball. That, coupled with an elite changeup that neutralizes each left- and right-handed hitters alike, resulted in a powerful 27.9% strikeout fee and career-low 5.9% stroll fee this previous season.

Although Suarez does not depend on breaking pitches, his command and velocity have made him one in all baseball’s most reliable ninth-inning arms. With MLBTR projecting him for a three-year, $48 million deal, he may turn into one of many highest-paid relievers of his age group since Mariano Rivera.

Evaluating the Dodgers’ Current Bullpen

The Dodgers already use left-handers Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott in leverage conditions, however the bullpen nonetheless comes with some query marks. Blake Treinen, Brock Stewart, and Brusdar Graterol should reply efficiency or injury-related issues.

Michael Kopech and Kirby Yates hit free company. Evan Phillips, in the meantime, was non-tendered final month and stays on a rehab path following Tommy John surgical procedure.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has expressed curiosity in re-signing Phillips on a two-year deal as soon as he resumes his throwing program, however no settlement seems imminent.

How Suarez Compares to Other Free Agent Relievers

According to MLB TR, Edwin Díaz is the very best reliever obtainable, however his rumored asking value of a five-year deal approaching $100 million places him out of attain for groups looking for short-term flexibility. Suarez is taken into account the next-best possibility and gives elite manufacturing with out the long-term danger.

Other obtainable arms available on the market embrace former Dodger Kenley Jansen, Pete Fairbanks, Luke Weaver, Brad Keller, and Kyle Finnegan. Although Fairbanks has been linked to L.A. all through the summer time, there’s phrase that the Dodgers aren’t pursuing him in free company.