Robert Suarez The Projected Closer In 2024
12 months agoSan Diego Padres right-handed reliever Robert Suarez is the team's projected closer in 2024 with Josh Hader and Nick Martinez leaving via free agency. Suarez will automatically have more fantasy appeal in a closing role, but he didn't help his stock much during a 2023 campaign that saw him deal with injury and ineffectiveness while also serving a 10-game suspension for using sticky stuff. Left-hander Yuki Matsui lacks height and experience in the United States, but he should immediately slot in as an option for high-leverage innings in San Diego and could push Suarez for save chances if he outperforms him in the back end of the Friars' bullpen. The 32-year-old hard-throwing Suarez didn't have a single save in 2023 while posting a 4.23 ERA (4.48 FIP) and 0.90 WHIP while striking out 24 and walking 10 in 27 2/3 innings pitched in his second MLB season.
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin
Source: The Athletic - Dennis Lin