The Boston Red Sox made a notable splash this offseason, landing left-hander Ranger Suárez in a move that not only bolsters their rotation but also signals a clear intent to compete in a stacked AL East. While the signing caught many by surprise, it turns out the Red Sox weren’t the only team chasing Suárez. According to new reporting, the Baltimore Orioles were actually the most aggressive suitor before Boston swooped in and sealed the deal.
Baltimore had been deep in talks with Suárez, and sources indicated there was a real path toward a deal getting done. But once Boston entered the fray, they turned up the heat.
Agent Scott Boras even acknowledged that the Red Sox had to play catch-up to get back into the mix, suggesting the Orioles had the early edge. Ultimately, Boston closed the gap and landed one of the more intriguing arms on the market.
Suárez is coming off a strong 2025 campaign with the Phillies, where he put together a 12-8 record and a 3.20 ERA over 26 starts. He logged a career-high 157 1/3 innings, racked up 151 strikeouts, and issued just 38 walks - all while dealing with some adversity on both ends of the season.
He started the year on the injured list with a back issue and ended it sidelined after taking a comebacker. But in between, he was as steady as they come, and his postseason performance reminded everyone just how valuable he can be in big moments.
In the National League Division Series against the Dodgers, Suárez delivered five innings of one-run ball, continuing a trend of playoff poise that’s been a hallmark of his career. That outing only reinforced what front offices around the league already knew - he’s a gamer, and he can handle the spotlight.
Now 29, Suárez brings eight years of big-league experience to Boston, all of it with the Phillies. Over that stretch, he’s compiled a 53-37 record with a 3.38 ERA and 705 strikeouts.
Originally signed out of Venezuela as a teenager back in 2012, Suárez made his MLB debut in 2018 and gradually carved out a spot in Philadelphia’s rotation. His breakout came in 2024, when a dominant first half earned him his first All-Star nod.
What makes Suárez such a valuable addition isn’t just the numbers - it’s the way he gets them. He’s not overpowering with velocity, but he commands the zone, keeps hitters off balance, and knows how to pitch in high-leverage situations. That kind of profile plays well in the AL East, where navigating deep lineups is a weekly challenge.
For the Red Sox, this move adds stability to a rotation that’s been searching for consistency. And for Suárez, it’s a chance to take the next step in his career with a franchise that’s clearly betting on his upside.
The fact that Boston had to outduel a division rival like Baltimore to get him only adds to the intrigue. This wasn’t just a signing - it was a statement.