This week, San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez exercised his player opt-out for the final two years of his contract and will now seek a lucrative new deal to become a team’s lockdown ninth-inning option.
Suarez has been among the top relievers in baseball since 2022 and has earned back-to-back All-Star selections. He will be one of the most sought-after arms in free agency this winter, with the only knock on his résumé being his age. However, nothing in his performance suggests any decline is imminent.
He didn’t debut in the majors until age 31 and has never carried a heavy workload, meaning his arm may not reflect that of a typical 35-year-old. Suarez has shown no drop in velocity or movement, and his advanced metrics have remained consistent throughout his career.
The immediate teams that come to mind are the Athletics and Rangers, both of whom lack an established closer or a young arm ready to step into that role. The Giants lost their closer of the future for the 2026 season, while the Diamondbacks also lost multiple bullpen options, leaving their ninth-inning role wide open.
Teams such as the Reds and Blue Jays have also been mentioned, but the Yankees could enter the mix if Devin Williams and Luke Weaver sign elsewhere. The most likely contender, however, might be the Braves. With championship aspirations, Atlanta won’t hesitate to spend on bullpen stability. No matter where he lands Suarez should still be considered a top five closer for fantasy purposes.
The Padres anticipated this move, acquiring Mason Miller from the Athletics at the deadline. They also boast Jason Adam, Jeremiah Estrada, and Adrian Morejón to anchor the bullpen. Miller is the player to own in fantasy, but he is not as locked in as his price might indicate.