Former major league general manager Jim Bowden wrote in The Athletic (paid subscription service) that San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez is expected to opt out of his contract to explore the free agent market next offseason. Extending the star reliever would be a mistake and should not be a top priority for the Padres.
Friars have other closer options in the pen
This scenario has been in play since he signed a five-year/$46 million deal with the Padres three years ago. However, Suarez will be 35 years old in 2026, and the possibility of his production declining is very real.