Bullpen market heats up as multiple teams chase former Padres closer

It is not expected that the San Diego Padres will re-sign closer Robert Suarez this offseason after he opted out of his deal, given the strength of a bullpen led by Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada, and Jason Adam (when healthy).

Still, he's one of the most prominent relievers on the free-agent market, and all Padres fans will be waiting for decision with bated breath.

Luckily, the Los Angeles Dodgers may have taken themselves out of the Suarez market by signing Edwin Diaz to a lucrative three-year contract, though that could actually prove to be a crushing blow to the Padres' NL West hopes in 2026. Either way, let's just hope they don't double down and sign Suarez as well.

As for the other biggest names being attached to Suarez, there's a couple of big-market teams that could get involved in a bidding war.

Mets, Blue Jays listed as top suitors for former Padres closer Robert Suarez

The New York Mets' involvement makes a lot of sense. They need a closer in the worst way after losing Diaz to the Dodgers, though they already signed Devin Williams to a big three-year deal of his own. Even with their deep (unlimited?) pockets, would they really be willing to splurge on yet another high-leverage reliever before addressing the starting rotation?

The Blue Jays are a frustrating team to see in the mix after they just stole Dylan Cease away from the Padres, though they may actually be the best team to land Suarez given that they play in the AL East, far away from the Senior Circuit. Jeff Hoffman looked aimless at times during the 2025 regular season, and they need a replacement for set-up man Seranthony Dominguez. Suarez would fit their bullpen nicely, painful as that is to say.

With Williams and Diaz off the market, Suarez is probably the best reliever still available. Since becoming San Diego's closer at the start of the 2024 season, the right-hander has secured a whopping 76 saves while pitching to a 2.87 ERA and 3.17 FIP over 135 appearances. He's also struck out 25.4% of hitters in that time while working a sterling 6.1% walk rate.

Thus, it's no wonder that he's projected for a sizable multi-year deal. Even at 34 years old, most see him earning a contract with an annual salary between $15 and $20 million, which is right in line with Williams' deal with the Mets.

That's probably too rich for the Padres' blood this winter (at least if that salary isn't attached to a starting pitcher), though many teams would likely jump at the chance to pay Suarez that amount. If he does leave San Diego, let's just hope he finds himself with an American League contender.