Red Sox bolster their rotation by signing LHP Ranger Suarez

After months of frustration, the Boston Red Sox have finally made a splash in free agency. On Wednesday, the Red Sox signed LHP Ranger Suarez to a five-year, $130 million contract, according to MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman. With the addition of Suarez, the Red Sox have a formidable rotation.

During the 2025 campaign, Suarez posted a 3.20 ERA while striking out 151 batters. It marked the second straight year that the talented 30-year-old posted an ERA under 3.50. As Suarez continued to be a model of consistency, he set a career high in innings pitched with 157.1.

Since making his MLB Debut during the 2018 season, Suarez has been a reliable piece for the Phillies as they have become a mainstay in the playoffs. In the postseason, the Venezuelan native has thrived with a 1.48 ERA in 42.2 innings. He also has held opponents to a .203 batting average. His ability to shine on the game’s biggest stage will be key for a Red Sox team that has aspirations of making a deep postseason run.

With Suarez in the mix, the Red Sox have one of the best rotations in the American League. Suarez will most likely slot in behind Garrett Crochet, who finished second in the 2025 AL Cy Young Award voting. The Red Sox’s other rotation options include Sonny Gray, Brayan Bello, Johan Oviedo, Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, and Kutter Crawford. There are also highly regarded prospects waiting in the wings, such as David Sandlin.

While the Red Sox offense still has some holes, the addition of Suarez is a needed upgrade. He averaged six innings a start last year and excelled at inducing soft contact. The newest Red Sox starter also brings a six-pitch mix to the table that makes him hard to barrel up.

There is still work to be done, but the Red Sox have shown they are willing to open their checkbooks after failing to bring back Alex Bregman. Now the focus should shift to adding to an offense that still needs some help and more power in particular.