Padres' Top National League Closer 'Expected to Opt Out' After Season Ends
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Drew VonScio is a Newsweek contributor based in Pittsburgh, PA. His focus is on MLB content. Drew has been with Newsweek since December 2024 and also works full-time at WTOV, a TV station in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a 2023 graduate of Bethany College (WV) and a 2024 graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. You can get in touch with Drew by emailing d.vonScio@newsweek.com.
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The San Diego Padres have a lot riding on this season as they could lose several big-name players in free agency.
One of those is closer Robert Suarez, who has been one of the best closers in baseball this season. Former general manager Jim Bowden expects Suarez to depart San Diego in the offseason in search of his last big-time contract.
"Suarez has arguably been the best closer in the NL this season, converting 15 of 16 save opportunities with a 2.84 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 21 strikeouts in 19 innings," wrote Bowden. "He has $8 million player options for 2026 and 2027 but is expected to opt out this fall."
The 34-year-old closer is currently making $10 million this season with the Padres. Spotrac provides a breakdown of the remainder of his contract:
- 2026: $8 million*
- 2027: $8 million
*opt out available after 2025 season
Even in his mid-30s, Suarez is projected by Spotrac to sign a three-year deal worth just under $36 million. While this would only provide him an extra year, his average annual value next season and in 2027 would increase by $4 million before getting $12 million in 2028.
This offseason would allow Suarez to cash in on a strong year. While the Padres could reunite with him if he does opt out, it's difficult to see him returning once the opt out is official. That would mean his agent and the Padres were unable to come to agreement prior to the season ending.
The Padres will need to do everything in their power to keep Suarez to help extend their contention window unless they believe they can make the team better by trading him.
More MLB: Rafael Devers Back to Third Base? Alex Bregman 'Likely' to Opt Out, Insider Says