The Philadelphia Phillies will be running it back with their core of veteran stars in 2025 and this could be the final championship window for the group.
Even after a disappointing playoff exit at the hands of the New York Mets this past season, the Phillies had little choice but to return with the team largely as constructed. Highly-paid All-Stars like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Zack Wheeler will almost certainly remain on the Phillies for years to come.
But this could be the last season for a few members of the core. Catcher JT Realmuto and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber will both become free agents after the 2025 season unless they are extended. And a 2024 All-Star who could be yet to peak is facing the potential for a highly-lucrative new contract as well.
“The Phillies could have as much as $88 million rolling off the books after this season depending on options for relievers José Alvarado and Matt Strahm,” according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber. “But most of that money would go right back on the payroll with new contracts for Schwarber, Realmuto, and (Ranger) Suárez.”
Suárez emerged as a top contributor to the Phillies’ stellar starting rotation in a 2024 All-Star campaign that saw him post a 3.46 ERA across 150.2 innings. It was the kind of performance that, if repeated, would earn him a significant payday in free agency. But Lauber noted that questions about Suárez’s health might derail that.
“Suárez was the best pitcher in the National League through June last season,” Lauber noted. “But a sore back landed him on the injured list in July, and upon his return, he posted a 5.74 ERA in seven starts.”
Now, the future of Suárez’s place on the Phillies and his potential for a top-tier contract extension hinges on his ability to stay healthy and effective throughout the 2025 season.
“The Phillies have discussed ways of keeping Suárez healthy over a full season,” Lauber added. “Because if he’s able to pitch 180 innings rather than 150 while sustaining his top-of-the-rotation ability, the rotation will be even more formidable and he will land a nine-figure megadeal.”
It’s hard to say whether the Phillies would be the team to offer up that kind of contract to Suárez, even if he does stay healthy and effective in 2025. But there’s no doubt that both the team and player are hoping he earns that kind of blockbuster payday with a stellar season.
