Blue Jays 2025 free agent target: Robert Suarez

Toronto is currently losing just one reliever (Dominguez), but their bullpen has hit hard times this postseason and struggled to find success when the pressure was at its highest. They were in the middle of the pack in numerous stats outside of strikeouts, where they ranked fifth (644). General manager Ross Atkins also alluded to the fact that Jeff Hoffman may not be next year’s guaranteed closer, making things a bit interesting for the club this winter.

Bringing back Dominguez is a good start, but the Jays’ front office can aim higher this season. Enter Robert Suarez.

Season statistics 2025

Suarez is entering the free agent market after opting out of his deal with the San Diego Padres worth $16 million over two years. After spending his early years in Japan, Suarez joined the Padres in 2021 and has since become a fixture in their bullpen.

Last season, he posted a 2.97 ERA and 2.88 FIP over a career-high 70 appearances and 69 2/3 innings, collecting an NL-leading 40 saves while starting 56 games. He struck out 75 batters in that time, posted a 9.7 K/9, and kept batters from walking a ton with a stellar 2.1 BB/9. His 0.904 WHIP was again a career best, matching his 2023 marks, albeit with more than 40 fewer innings.

Working a four-pitch mix, Suarez uses a mid-90s fastball as his main pitch (60.4%), and he combines it with a changeup, sinker and a cutter, utilizing the up/down motion and action that fans have come to expect from the likes of Kevin Gausman and countless other Jays arms. His fastball has been dominant this year, producing a pitching run value of +14 while holding batters to a .169 average, .227 wOBA, and operating at a 30.6% strikeout rate. His changeup hit a ton this year (.310 average and .483 SLG), but his sinker worked well with the fastball, generating a .102 average and .163 SLG in limited use (15.5%).

Is Robert Suarez a good fit for the Blue Jays?

There are a lot of positives when looking at a reliever like Suarez. He can handle high-pressure situations, has a plus fastball and has a strong track record over the past two seasons. Some may be a little leery considering he turns 35 next year and missed much of the 2023 campaign on the IL, but recent stats show a short-term deal may be in the offing.

Projections have Suarez making around $12 to $16 million in AAV this winter, with everyone agreeing on the short-term aspect of the deal. He’s not tied to a qualifying offer, which is a positive, but a back-end arm like Suarez will be a hot commodity, especially if some top relievers like Edwin Diaz and Devin Williams are off the board.

Suarez is looking forward to a short-term deal with Toronto, creating a strong tandem with Jeff Hoffman replacing Dominguez and giving the Jays some strong firepower at the back. The risk is limited given the limited years, and he checks quite a few boxes for the Jays’ free agent needs.