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September 15, 2025, Los Angeles, California, USA: Starting pitcher, Ranger Suarez 55 of the Philadelphia Phillies during their MLB, Baseball Herren, USA regular season game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday September 15, 2025 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. ARMANDO ARORIZO/PI Los Angeles USA – ZUMAp124 20250915_zaa_p124_048 Copyright: xArmandoxArorizox
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September 15, 2025, Los Angeles, California, USA: Starting pitcher, Ranger Suarez 55 of the Philadelphia Phillies during their MLB, Baseball Herren, USA regular season game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday September 15, 2025 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. ARMANDO ARORIZO/PI Los Angeles USA – ZUMAp124 20250915_zaa_p124_048 Copyright: xArmandoxArorizox
Some say they overpaid, some say it was the right figure, but one thing is sure: the Red Sox are happy after signing Ranger Suarez. And the Phillies are now left with more problems than solutions. Even MLB Insider Jorge Castillo thinks the same about the Philadelphia Phillies.
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“Losing Ranger Suarez, who agreed to a five-year, $130 million deal with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, hurts,” says Castillo. “The Phillies could look to add depth.”
Boston’s signing of Ranger Suarez set his value at $26 million. The deal moved Suarez from Philadelphia after 8 seasons, closing a chapter built on consistency.
Suarez delivered a 1.48 postseason ERA across 11 appearances, anchoring October plans for years. That production framed his value, even as Philadelphia weighed age, health, and long-term risk. Without Suarez, Philadelphia’s rotation lists Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, and Andrew Painter.
Zack Wheeler remains sidelined after thoracic outlet surgery, with return timelines pointing toward midseason. That absence removes a frontline arm, forcing depth pitchers into roles originally meant for coverage.
Over 162 games, those margins matter, especially for teams planning October rotations months ahead.
Philadelphia let Suarez walk, avoiding a 5-year obligation amid recurring back injuries and declining velocity.
His fastball averaged 91.3 mph last season, ranking near the bottom tier leaguewide. Philadelphia prioritized flexibility, believing existing starters could offset Suarez’s departure financially this season.
That calculation now faces stress with Wheeler unavailable and Painter still without major league innings.
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MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Pittsburgh Pirates at Washington Nationals Sep 12, 2025 Washington, District of Columbia, USA Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller 23 pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals Park District of Columbia USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGeoffxBurkex 20250912_gkb_sb4_005
Pittsburgh Pirates Mitch Keller emerges as a possible answer, carrying 55.7 million owed across 3 seasons.
At 29, Keller offers durability and innings stability, traits Philadelphia lacks during Wheeler’s recovery window. He has been a regular starter for Pittsburgh, fitting a mid-rotation role without payroll risk. Such stability could preserve Philadelphia’s rotation structure until health and timing fully realign again.
A Keller move fits Philadelphia’s need, balancing cost, control, and innings during a competitive window.
With postseason paths narrowing, covering regular-season volatility becomes essential for October positioning stability internally. Philadelphia has prospect capital and payroll flexibility, giving the front office leverage in midseason discussions.
If timing aligns, adding Mitch Keller could steady a rotation chasing contention without overextending resources.
But Philadelphia’s front office has other options, too, to fill the void without panicking.
The Phillies have more options other than Mitch Keller
Losing Ranger Suarez’s 1.48 postseason ERA production leaves a gap in both performance and depth for October. The rotation now relies heavily on Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, and Taijuan Walker for stability every fifth day.
Now, Philadelphia could explore signing Chris Bassitt, who threw 170.1 innings with a 3.96 ERA last season. Zack Littell presents another option, allowing three runs or fewer in 25 of his 32 starts. Nick Martinez could also provide flexibility, balancing 129 starts with 151 relief appearances across his career.
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Each provides immediate rotation depth without relying solely on Mitch Keller or other unproven starters.
Adding one of these starters allows the Phillies to preserve their postseason hopes and balance payroll. Their experience ensures innings are managed carefully, reducing pressure on top prospects like Andrew Painter.
Filling this rotation gap with proven arms directly supports the team’s goal of sustained competitiveness.