When the Boston Red Sox lost out on Alex Bregman in free agency in January, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow had to pivot quickly. You thought that Breslow would have pivoted to fill Bregman’s void. Instead, he made a splash in another area.
Boston went out and added to their already deep starting rotation. The Red Sox signed Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Ranger Suárez to a five-year, $130 million deal. He gives manager Alex Cora a 1-2 punch at the top of his rotation with Garrett Crochet. There is a lot ot like about the signing if you’re Boston, but Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report sees a path where this could turn into a bust.
Boston Red Sox Pitcher Ranger Suárez Listed as Potential Free Agent Bust Signing
Suárez is coming off a career-year as a starter in 2025. He went 12-8 in 26 starts with a 3.20 ERA and a 4.7 WAR. In 2021, he finished with a 5.6 WAR in 39 appearances and just 12 starts. He threw a career-high 157.1 innings last year and struck out 151 and walked just 38. Still, Philadelphia’s Dave Dembrowski let him walk in free agency. However, there is one red flag that should concern Breslow and the Red Sox.
“It’s fair to wonder how well a five-year, $130 million deal will age, even if Suárez figures to have a strong season in 2026. He’s been on the injured list with back-related ailments in three of the last four seasons. His average fastball velocity dipped from 93.4 mph in 2023 to 91.3 mph in 2025. He’s never been someone who’s been in great shape, though you wouldn’t know it from watching him field his position,” wrote Kelly.
It is fair to question his injury history and worry about his drop in velocity. In Boston, he will be part of a rotation that is deeper than what he had with the Phillies, but he will have to pitch well as the Red Sox offense isn’t as good as it was in Philadelphia.
Boston Red Sox Have Deep Rotation
There is no doubt that Breslow is building his roster for 2026 through his starting rotation. Crochet and Suárez are a good 1-2 punch, but not as good as the duo of Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez of the Detroit Tigers. However, after Crochet and Suárez, you can make the case that Boston is deeper.
Cora will have multiple options with Sonny Gray, who was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade in November. Brayan Bello returns, despite being part of trade rumors, and the battle for the fifth starting spot will likely go to Johan Oviedo, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a deal over the winter.
The American League East is going to be a dog fight in 2026. The Toronto Blue Jays added Dylan Cease from the San Diego Padres to bolster their already good rotation. Gerrit Cole is expected back for the New York Yankees, while the Baltimore Orioles added Chris Bassitt in free agency.
Boston will need Suárez to come and be the starter he was the last two seasons in Philadelphia. Every free agent signing has bust potential, and the Red Sox are hoping that’s not the case with Suárez.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Red Sox Prized Free Agent Signing Tabbed As Potential Bust appeared first on Heavy Sports.