The Philadelphia Phillies could extend the contract of one of their 2024 standouts this winter.

The Philadelphia Phillies face a key offseason decision this winter: whether to renew starting pitcher Ranger Suarez’s contract.

After another successful season, culminating with his first career All-Star selection, Suarez established himself as a reliable left-hander in Philadelphia’s rotation.

His 12-8 record, 3.46 ERA and 145 strikeouts in 150.2 innings highlight his effectiveness and consistency in 2024. Closing him with a contract extension now could provide spending certainty and secure an important rotation for the future. However, this decision comes with factors that the Phillies need to carefully weigh.

Suarez was a calm, reliable force in a rotation with stars like Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. While not overwhelming, Suarez thrives on his ability to command the zone and limit hard contact, as evidenced by his 14 home runs allowed in nearly 151 innings. His 3.46 ERA in 27 starts is no small feat in a season marked by strong offensive production throughout the league. Suarez’s 145 strikeouts against just 41 walks further highlight his ability to effectively manage baserunners, which is critical for a team looking to build on its recent playoff success.

An extension could bring a lot of benefits to the Phillies. As a lefty, Suarez brings some much-needed variety to a rotation that would otherwise be dominated by right-handed pitchers. His consistency and strong track record also make him a good candidate for a longer-term deal that could keep the Phillies’ rotation stable for years to come.

Given the high demand and rising prices for quality starting pitchers on the open market, signing Suarez at a predictable salary could prove more profitable than signing a free agent starter with comparable talent.

However, this decision is not without risk. Suarez has dealt with minor injuries over the years, and pitchers are often at risk due to the loads that starting puts on their arms. If the Phillies decide to extend his contract, they will have to carefully consider the terms and length of the contract to avoid the potential pitfalls of overcommitting to a position as volatile as starting pitching.

Ultimately, extending Suarez’s contract could make sense for a Phillies team looking to maximize its competitive window. Given his solid game and ability to adapt, Suarez could be the type of pitcher who provides consistent value.

Combining financial prudence with Suarez’s stability and skill will be critical to the Phillies’ decisions this offseason, but keeping him could strengthen their rotation and deepen their playoff ambitions.