Should Padres be concerned about Robert Suarez? Early signs from spring training

Padres reliever Robert Suarez handed in a remarkable season in 2024. Behind one of the best fastballs in the game, he logged 36 saves, nine wins, and a 2.77 ERA.

He was one of San Diego's most exciting - and most reliable - players. But now, at 34 years old, Suarez is owed $10 million this season. It's been no secret that he may get traded at some point in 2025, but if he doesn't, should Padres fans be worried about Suarez's struggles during spring training?

Following another clunker of an outing on Tuesday against the Rockies, Suarez has now surrendered eight runs across 3 2/3 innings.

Should the Padres hit the panic button on Robert Suarez following struggles in spring?

When it rains for Suarez, it pours, seemingly. Those eight runs allowed have come in two of Suarez's five outings, combining for four walks and seven hits, all while recording just two total outs. Last year, Suarez threw his fastball more than 70 percent of the time, and while he is still opting for that pitch, he may start including a new offering this spring.

On Wednesday, Suarez entered the game at Salt River Fields in the bottom of the fourth inning, and nothing was working for him. Among the five hits he allowed, two came off of a sinker, followed by one each on a fastball, changeup, and a slider. The Rockies were all over him, and he was eventually pulled after walking Ezequiel Tovar to load the bases.

His command has not been tight in his forgettable appearances, so if that continues to be an issue, then Padres fans do have a right to start drawing some concern. If he actually is a trade option, then many clubs could be turned away by his poor performances recently. So if his trade stock is down, then the Friars would be stuck with his hefty contract. Ideally, he turns things around and will be a good contributor to San Diego's bullpen, but don't be surprised if he is stripped of his closing role.

Jason Adam has been stellar for the majority of the spring, and if Suarez is unable to pitch well, then don't be surprised if manager Mike Shildt gives Adam a chance to close out some games.