With every dominant outing, the price tags for two of the Phillies’ most valuable pending free agents continue to climb.
Ranger Suárez delivered yet another gem Friday night, tossing seven shutout innings in a win over the Blue Jays. He left the mound at Citizens Bank Park to a standing ovation after earning his seventh straight quality start.
Since May 10, Suárez has posted a 5-1 record and a 1.16 ERA, averaging fewer than one run allowed over seven innings per start on just 96 pitches. The 29-year-old lefty has been nothing short of elite — and he’s doing it in a contract year. After hiring high-powered agent Scott Boras this past offseason, it’s unlikely Suárez will be offering the Phillies a hometown discount. This is his shot at a career-defining payday, and he’s pitching like he knows it.
With a 2.32 ERA through eight starts, Suárez could be eyeing a contract in the $100 million range — a reflection of both his performance and the league-wide scarcity of top-tier starting pitching. He’s shown flashes of brilliance before, but the Phillies hope 2025 is the year he finally puts together a full season of dominance. With Aaron Nola sidelined, they need it now more than ever.
Kyle Schwarber, also in his walk year, made a big impact Friday with a three-run homer, his 22nd of the season and second in as many nights. After a brief slump from late May to early June, Schwarber seems to be heating up again — just in time, with Bryce Harper out of the lineup.
The Phillies are relying more than ever on Schwarber’s power. Alec Bohm doesn’t bring much home run potential, Trea Turner has shifted to a contact-first approach, and Nick Castellanos is still trying to strike the right offensive balance. Schwarber, despite being 32 and primarily a DH, remains a critical force in the lineup — and a likely hot commodity in free agency.
Even with stars like Kyle Tucker and Pete Alonso expected to hit the market, Schwarber could be the third-best bat available, thanks to his elite power, October résumé, and leadership value.
The Phillies also face a contract decision with J.T. Realmuto, another key player entering free agency. While they’d love to extend Schwarber now, there’s little incentive for him to sign early when he could have a bidding war on his hands in a few months.
Ultimately, the Phillies’ front office is fine with their stars boosting their value — as long as it means they’re helping the team win. Free agency doesn’t begin until five days after the World Series, and until then, all eyes remain on the task at hand.
Friday’s 8-0 win over Toronto was a step in the right direction after a rough stretch where Philadelphia dropped nine of ten. They’ve now won three of their last four, improving to 40-29, with Cristopher Sánchez and Zack Wheeler scheduled to start over the weekend. A couple more wins would not only secure a winning homestand but also help wash away memories of their early June slump.
One bonus from Friday’s blowout win? Manager Rob Thomson didn’t need to use any of his top relievers — Jordan Romano, Matt Strahm, or Orion Kerkering. With Joe Ross and Taijuan Walker handling the eighth and ninth innings, and the bullpen rested from Wednesday and Thursday, the Phillies will head into Saturday’s game with fresh arms and momentum.
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