The Mets’ Rotation Needs Ranger Suárez, and Here’s Why They Should Go After Him

As the 2025–26 MLB offseason continues, one glaring weakness for the New York Mets remains unaddressed: their starting pitching. While the front office has been busy making trades and signing bullpen pieces, the rotation still feels shaky. Last season, the Mets’ starting pitchers struggled down the stretch, particularly in the second half, finishing 18th in ERA (4.03) and allowing a .246 opponent batting average. That’s not a fatal flaw in a competitive division, but it is a problem if New York wants to be a legitimate postseason contender.

One free-agent option who could immediately strengthen the rotation is Ranger Suárez, the left-hander who spent much of his career with the Mets’ National League East rival, the Philadelphia Phillies. Suárez, entering his age-30 season, is not an ace in the mold of Clayton Kershaw or Jacob deGrom, but he offers experience, versatility, and a track record that could pay dividends in both the regular season and the playoffs.

Suárez’s Track Record Makes Him a Safe Bet

Over his career with the Phillies, Suárez has compiled a 53–37 record with a 3.38 ERA. While those numbers aren’t eye-popping, they represent a consistent, dependable starter who can handle a regular workload and give the Mets a boost in games where the rotation otherwise might struggle. Suárez is particularly intriguing because of his familiarity with the division—he’s faced the Mets repeatedly and has shown he can compete in high-stakes situations.

As noted in a recent update from SleeperPhillies on Twitter:

“Suárez has been linked to the Mets and Orioles throughout the winter, which is hardly a surprise given their respective needs for starting pitching. But Suárez is two years younger than Valdez, making him a more appealing option…”

For the Mets, that combination of youth relative to his experience and proven ability in the NL East makes him an attractive target. He could slot in as the number two or three starter behind a younger arm like Nolan McLean, giving the team a more balanced rotation.

A Proven Performer in the Postseason

Where Suárez really shines is in the playoffs. Over his career, he has posted a 4–1 record with a microscopic 1.48 ERA in 42 2/3 innings pitched during the postseason. This is exactly the type of arm New York could use when October rolls around. For a team that has struggled to consistently get pitching that can perform under pressure, Suárez’s track record provides reassurance.

Adding him wouldn’t just improve the rotation on paper; it could change the Mets’ approach in high-leverage situations. He’s the kind of pitcher who can be trusted to eat innings, keep the team in games, and give the bullpen a chance to stay fresh—an invaluable asset for a club that has recently leaned heavily on its relievers due to injuries or inconsistent starts.

Rotation Fit

Currently, the Mets’ rotation is anchored by Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Sean Manaea, and Nolan McLean. While Senga has shown flashes of brilliance, some question whether he can be a true ace, citing inconsistency. Manaea had a strong 2024 but struggled in 2025, and McLean, while talented, is still developing. Adding a veteran like Suárez would provide stability and allow the Mets to protect their younger arms while also giving them a proven option in critical games.

Suárez would likely fit nicely as a number two starter, giving the Mets rotation depth and allowing them to maintain flexibility in matchups. In a division with strong offenses like the Atlanta Braves and the Phillies themselves, having a reliable left-handed starter who knows the hitters could make a meaningful difference over the course of a 162-game season.

Injury History and Concerns

No discussion of Suárez would be complete without addressing his injury history. Over the past few seasons, Suárez has had lower back strains, which caused him to miss time in both 2024 and 2025. He has also never started 30 games in a single major-league season, which raises questions about durability over a full campaign.

These concerns may give some teams pause, but for the Mets, the potential upside outweighs the risk. With careful workload management and medical oversight, Suárez could be a dependable innings-eater who adds a crucial veteran presence to the rotation. The Mets’ front office will have to weigh these risks against the need for immediate improvement and playoff readiness.

Why the Mets Should Make a Move

Ranger Suárez represents an opportunity for the Mets to add experience, postseason credibility, and left-handed balance to a rotation that is still a work in progress. He is a pitcher who has consistently performed against NL East competition and in high-pressure situations, and his presence could prevent the team from repeating the inconsistencies that plagued them in 2025.

If the Mets are serious about competing, they cannot rely solely on their young arms. Suárez offers a middle ground: not a flashy ace, but a reliable, battle-tested starter who can help bridge the gap between the young talent and playoff contention. He could also be the missing piece that allows the Mets to preserve arms like Senga and McLean for the postseason push.

The Decision Comes Down to Stearns

Ultimately, the choice to pursue Ranger Suárez rests with David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations. Suárez would likely command a moderate contract, and the Mets would need to assess whether the potential return on investment—both in terms of wins and playoff readiness—is worth taking a chance on a pitcher with a history of back issues.

If Stearns opts to add Suárez, the Mets could immediately improve their rotation, add a veteran voice to the clubhouse, and gain a left-handed starter capable of handling high-leverage situations. In short, Suárez is exactly the kind of starting pitcher the Mets need to complement their existing rotation and bolster their postseason chances.

Whether or not New York ultimately lands him, one thing is clear: the Mets cannot afford to ignore starting pitching this offseason. Suárez may not be a long-term ace, but he could be the key veteran piece that turns a good rotation into a great one.