The Boston Red Sox moved quickly to make up for Alex Bregman’s departure by spending big money on a starting pitcher.
Former Philadelphia Phillies starter Ranger Suarez is heading to Boston on a 5-year, $130 million deal, according to multiple reports. It marks the longest free agent contract the Red Sox have handed out in four years.
This is the longest free-agent contract the Red Sox have signed since shortstop Trevor Story in March, 2022. https://t.co/AOqDLhsJNU
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 14, 2026
Suarez, 30, developed into one of the most reliable left-handed starters in the game in recent years. He posted a 3.20 ERA for the Phillies last season while striking out 151 batters in 157.1 innings of work. He also has a 1.48 ERA in 42.2 innings of work in the postseason over the course of his career.
The Red Sox had hoped to retain Bregman, but failed to do so, reportedly because of their own intransigence. To their credit, they did not simply pocket the money they saved by his departure, and acted quickly to find a quality pitcher instead.
There are suggestions that the Red Sox might not be done, though perhaps spending big money on Suarez will cool their interest in other expensive targets.
