RHP Robert Suarez stays with the Padres: Why the former NPB star got a rare 5-year deal

The Padres And loyalist Robert Suarez agreed to a five-year contract worth $46 million, with the subscription canceled after three years, a source in the team confirmed to the athlete Thursday. The agreement is pending physical. Here’s what you need to know:

• The deal comes less than a year after the former Nippon Professional Baseball player Suarez signed his first major league contract with San Diego.
• The Right threw 47 innings 2/3 in the 2022 regular season, and had a 2.27 ERA, with 61 strikes.
• The deal means Suarez, 31, is essentially Padres’ closest from the future; current nearest Josh Hader Eligible for free agency after the 2023 season.

MLB Reporter John Morosi first reported about the new contract.

back story

Suarez first signed with Padres in December 2021 to a contract that included a $5 million player option for 2023. As expected, he declined the second-year option.

The Venezuelan spent the previous five seasons in the NPB before coming to the MLB, earning a 2.81 ERA and 1.161 WHIP in 205 rounds.

What has succeeded for Suarez this year?

Suarez’s success was not a complete surprise. Over the past two years, he has emerged as the closest dominant leader to the Hanshin Tigers in Japan. However, there was a question about how his high-octane stuff would translate to the big business. Answer: Well, actually. Suarez recovered from a disastrous debut in the big league on opening day and later had knee surgery mid-season to replace him as Padres’ primary prep man.

His Fastball, up to three numbers, and his weapon change were consistent. He made a categorical combination that showed his adaptability. His strong temperament passed into the larger stages; Suarez did not give up his post-season run until the second game of the National League Championship. He ended up with a 3.00 ERA in nine pivotal playoffs. – flexible

Is the contract reasonable?

With Hader not far from free agency, it was clear that the Padres family needed to keep Suarez. However, his new deal is a striking commitment. Suarez will turn 32 on March 1, and long-term contracts with loyalists rarely expire in the team’s favour. Padres has first-hand experience: Drew Pomerans He was also 31 when he received a four-year pay of $34 million from San Diego, and the Pomeranians have thrown fewer than 50 tours in the three seasons since.

All that said, Suarez’s impressive appearance and other factors in the market, including Edwin Diaz‘s Historic deal with the mets, most likely means Padres had to overpay for his autograph. In an ideal world, Suarez would remain healthy, performing for the first three years of his new contract and ending at the age of 34. The risk of that not happening is high. – flexible

Padres Officeson’s Other Priorities

Padres is still negotiating with Versatile Nick Martinez, who withdrew from his own deal. Now that Suarez is back, Martinez – if he does too – should have a relatively clear starting track for San Diego in 2023. Regardless of where he signs, Padres needs to add the start. Martinez, in this capacity, is considered an arm back, and Shawn Manya and Mike Clevenger departed via free agency.

Padres also need to tackle first base, left field and designated hitter. Fernando Tates Jr.His eventual return from suspension should help, but the team can use at least one racket with some pop. – flexible

Required reading

(Photo: Orlando Ramirez/USA Today)