Robert Suárez's projected contract will definitely price him out of San Diego

The Padres made the unprecedented move for Mason Miller at the deadline not because they needed bullpen depth, but to prepare for the inevitable that would hit them in the winter, as Robert Suárez is, and has been expected to opt out of the final two years in his contract.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes that San Diego is not going to make an effort to re-sign Suárez, as they “don’t want to commit to a long-term deal, or the lofty asking price.” After all, San Diego has only $47 million in available payroll, with five starters set to hit free agency.

Padres face harsh reality as Robert Suárez’s projected contract skyrockets

In 2025, Suárez led the league in saves (40) and maintained an ERA below 3.00 over the course of 69.2 innings pitched. He has converted a combined 76 save situations over the past two seasons, catching fire at an opportune time when he has the chance to land the long-term contract he so wishes to have.

Suárez is projected to earn $20 million per year on a deal similar to those of Josh Hader, Edwin Díaz, and Tanner Scott. The only question that lingers is who it is going to be with.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com named the Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, and Atlanta Braves as potential suitors for the 34-year-old. But the list of competitors doesn’t end there, as Jim Bowden reported four more teams that are intrigued.

The Dodgers’ bullpen was one of the biggest disappointments, as the unit finished in the bottom ten in ERA despite spending $107 million on three players (Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and Blake Treinen).

Baltimore, on the other hand, will be without Félix Bautista, who will spend the entirety of 2026 recovering from a torn rotator cuff and labrum. President of baseball operations Mike Elias will most definitely be evaluating the closer market, as he acknowledged that the bullpen is in need of a rebuild.

The Padres’ big four relievers in 2026 looks to be Jeremiah Estrada, Adrian Morejón, Jason Adam, and Mason Miller. Losing Suárez hurts, but the depth in the pen speaks for itself. It's time to invest that money in the starting rotation.