*Photo from the Boston Globe*
A standout name in Friartown is back for the long haul. The San Diego Padres and RHP Robert Suarez have agreed to a 5 year, $46 million deal, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. The deal has been confirmed by the Padres.
The 31 year old Suarez is coming off his rookie season in the majors after spending his career in Japan's NPB league. Suarez quickly emerged as a top setup option in the back end of the Padres bullpen, resulting in his new deal to remain with the Padres. The contract expires after the 2027 season but contains an opt out after the 3rd year of the deal.
Suarez had a strong 2022 with the Padres, ending the regular season with a 5-1 record. He paired that with a 2.27 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 3.22 FIP, striking out 61 hitters while walking 21, picking up one save over the course of 47 2/3 innings pitched, making 45 relief appearances. Suarez added a 3.00 ERA in 9 innings pitched over 7 appearances.
The season ended for the Padres with Suarez on the mound for Bryce Harper's NLCS clinching homer for the Phillies, but he had a dominant postseason prior to that, only allowing one run all postseason before the Harper homer. As such, he opted out of the two year deal he signed before the season.
With current closer Josh Hader only under contract through 2023, it's quite possible that Suarez could move into the closer role as the current top setup man in the Padres bullpen. The new deal for Suarez joins him with Edwin Diaz as relievers to earn a big payday this offseason.
By re-signing Suarez, the Padres have the back end of their bullpen set, as Suarez rejoins Hader, Tim Hill, Luis Garcia, and Steven Wilson, with the Padres also looking for a reunion with Nick Martinez.
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