The San Diego Padres have announced that standout reliever Robert Suárez has agreed to a restructured five-year contract, taking a pay cut to remain with the team. The 31-year-old, who has quickly become a fan favorite at Petco Park, cited his love for the organization and commitment to the team’s vision as key reasons behind his decision.
Suárez, known for his electric fastball and dominant late-inning performances, has been a cornerstone of the Padres’ bullpen since signing with the team. Despite being eligible to test the free-agent market, where his value could have soared, Suárez chose loyalty over potential financial gain.
“This is where I belong,” Suárez said in a statement. “The Padres gave me the opportunity to show what I can do, and I want to be part of the championship team we’re building here. Taking less money to stay was an easy decision because San Diego feels like home.”
The new deal is reported to be worth $45 million over five years, slightly less than what Suárez was projected to earn on the open market. However, the restructured contract provides the Padres with valuable financial flexibility to address other areas of the roster as they aim to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season.
“Robert’s decision speaks volumes about his character and commitment to this team,” Padres GM A.J. Preller said. “He’s one of the best relievers in the game, and having him locked in for the long term is a big win for us.”
Since joining the Padres in 2022, Suárez has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, boasting a 2.58 ERA with an average of 12.2 strikeouts per nine innings. His presence in the back end of the bullpen has been critical to the team’s success and is expected to remain a key factor in their future playoff aspirations.
The move has been met with widespread praise from both fans and teammates, who value Suárez’s on-field excellence and leadership in the clubhouse.
As the Padres look to return to the postseason in 2025, Suárez’s decision to stay signals a renewed sense of unity and determination within the organization. Padres fans can now look forward to seeing their beloved closer don the brown and gold for years to come.
Leave a Reply