The Philadelphia Phillies will face a key offseason decision this winter: whether to extend starting pitcher Ranger Suárez.

After another strong season, which culminated with his first career All-Star selection, Suárez cemented himself as a reliable lefty 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. Locking him up with a contract extension now could provide certainty on cost and guaranteeing an important rotation element for the future. However, the decision comes with factors that the Phillies must weigh carefully.

Suárez has been a quietly reliable force in a rotation with stars like Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. While not overwhelming, Suárez thrives on his ability to control the zone and limit hard contact, as evidenced by his 14 home runs allowed in nearly 151 innings. His 3.46 ERA, achieved in 27 starts, is no mean feat in a season marked by high offensive production across the league. Suárez’s 145 strikeouts against just 41 walks highlight his ability to effectively handle baserunners, which is key for a team looking to build on its recent postseason success.

An extension could bring multiple benefits to the Phillies. As a lefty, Suárez adds some much-needed diversity to a rotation otherwise dominated by right-handed pitchers. His consistency and strong track record also make him a good candidate for a longer contract 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, locking in Suárez with a predictable salary could provide better value than signing a free agent of comparable talent.

But this decision is not without risk. Suárez has suffered a few minor injuries over the years, and pitchers are often at risk due to the toll the starting workload takes on their arms. If the Phillies decide to extend him, they will need to carefully review the terms and length of the contract to avoid the potential pitfalls of overcommitting financially in a position as volatile as starting pitching.

Ultimately, a contract extension for Suárez could make sense for a Phillies team that wants to maximize its competitive window. Given his reliable production and adaptability, Suárez could be the kind of pitcher who consistently provides value.

Balancing financial prudence with the stability and skillset provided by Suárez will be crucial in the Phillies’ decision this offseason, but keeping him could strengthen their rotation and deepen their playoff aspirations.