Mar 4, 2025; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) races after a play against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Like every other member of the Phillies’ expected five-man rotation, Ranger Suarez tossed two scoreless innings in his 2025 spring debut. Appearing mid-game on Tuesday (Zack Wheeler made the start), the lefty allowed one hit, struck out two and walked none.
Suarez’s velocity was down a tick or two from last season’s averages. But that’s not unusual for March 4, even if several other Phils pitchers are throwing gas early on.
Ranger Suárez today in his spring debut:
2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 30 pitches (19 strikes) pic.twitter.com/WaVQ9Dcfb8
The Phillies signed Suarez as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela in 2012, when he was just 16 years old. But Suarez’s current contract will end after the 2025 season and it’s unclear whether the Phils, loaded with starting pitching, will be able to retain “Mr. Rager” after this year.
Suarez spoke after the game about his desire to play his entire career in red pinstripes.
Ranger Suárez speaking to the media after today’s game.
Says he wants to spend his entire career with the Phillies. “This is my childhood club . . . All I think about is staying here.” pic.twitter.com/y1DRz5QS0c
Zack Wheeler is signed through the 2027 season, Jesus Luzardo is under team control through 2026, and Aaron Nola and Cristopher Sanchez are locked in through 2030.
With minor league phenom Andrew Painter expected to join the rotation sometime this summer, it’s fair to wonder if Suarez factors into the Phillies’ long-term plans.
Dave Dombrowski was asked about Suarez last summer, when Sanchez signed a new deal. Dombrowski said the organization “loves Ranger” and “wants him to be part of the organization for a long, long time,” but didn’t give much away other than that.
Dave Dombrowski was asked if the Phillies have discussed a longterm contract with Ranger Suarez. pic.twitter.com/S1do8RHJ9m
There’s a lot of baseball to be played before Suarez’s contract is up. His health and performance, the health and performance of the pitchers around him, and the Phillies’ long-term roster vision will all factor into what happens after that.
Hopefully, even if Suarez departs, he’ll do so wearing a Phillies World Series ring.
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