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Ranger Suarez predicted to leave Phillies for division rival.
The Chicago Cubs have a lot on their plate this offseason in terms of how their roster makes a shakeup heading into the 2026 season. After what was a successful 2025 season, Chicago is expected to lose top free agent Kyle Tucker and have other decisions to make, like the free agency of Brad Keller and Willi Castro.
Losing Tucker would be a detriment in its own right, and Chicago would have to replace his production somehow, which could also come by way of signing a starting pitcher to help with rotation depth. A recent prediction has the Cubs making a big splash by acquiring All-Star Ranger Suarez.
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Should the Cubs Target Ranger Suarez?
The Chicago Cubs, like many other MLB teams, dealt with a lack of depth in their starting rotation last season. However, Justin Steele will be returning to the rotation in 2026, so should the Cubs still open up the checkbook for another starter?
According to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, the Cubs are predicted to land Ranger Suarez on a four-year, $110 million deal with an opt-out after 2027.
The southpaw Suarez is expected to be one of the most highly sought-after starters this offseason, and the Chicago Cubs should absolutely make a run at him if the price is right. Bleacher Report’s predicted deal would have Suarez making an AAV of $27.5 million.
GettyPhiladelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez
Does this mean the Cubs are the favorites to land Suarez? No, but it’s positive news that they are already being linked to some of the top free agent arms in MLB. If the Cubs do not plan to pay Kyle Tucker, then adding a proven, durable arm should be at the top of Chicago’s offseason wishlist.
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What Could Ranger Suarez Bring to Chicago?
Ranger Suarez would be a huge splash addition to the Cubs’ starting rotation. Cade Horton looked like he could blossom into a true ace this past season, and Shota Imanaga is back on a qualifying offer deal. However, Suarez would still slot in as either the second or third option in the rotation.
He has logged a 3.38 ERA over 119 starts over his nine-year career, all with the Philadelphia Phillies. 2025 was also perhaps Suarez’s best season as a pro. While in a contract year, he posted a 3.2o ERA over 157.1 innings and 151 strikeouts.
Based on some of the signing tendencies so far throughout MLB, Bleacher Report projects the Suarez sweepstakes to be between the Cubs and Orioles. Baltimore is showing a strong willingness to spend this offseason, and Chicago would likely have to outbid them if they want to land the All-Star starter.
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