The San Diego Padres are attempting to save money this winter, and trading Robert Suarez could be an option. 

Unfortunately, it seems the San Diego Padres are maxed out when it comes to spending.

We are nowhere near a fire sale, but the team is coming to the realization that they cannot continue to spend like seasons past. With several free agents and a few more after the 2025 season, the Padres must be frugal moving forward. A.J. Preller and his staff require creativity.

There are reports the team is taking offers on Luis Arraez, Dylan Ceases, and Xander Bogaerts. Cease, and Arraez are free agents after the year and could be moved if the Padres feel they cannot retain them after the 2025 season. Trading Bogaerts and his contract is another thing. The infielder is due over $229 million for the next nine years. The Padres would surely need to eat money or attach Leodalis De Vries or Ethan Salas to a potential deal even to start negotiations. It just doesn’t seem likely at this point.

In examining the roster, I noticed a few relievers could be traded to save money this coming season. Yuki Matsui ($5.5 million) and Wandy Peralta ($4.25 million) are making close to 10 million dollars. Neither pitcher will be in high demand, but the Padres could attach a prospect or two to either southpaw in an attempt to trade them and their money owed.

The largest contract of the relievers is that of Robert Suarez.

The San Diego Padres closer is due to make $10 million in 2025.

Late in the season, Suarez became a little too one-dimensional. The right-handed pitcher easily reached triple digits with his fastball. Towards the end of the season, it seemed like Suarez was mainly relying on that pitch, and the hitters began to take notice. The thing about Suarez’s fastball is that it doesn’t have a ton of movement. It is difficult to hit, but if a batter sits on the pitch, they are able to square it up eventually, especially if they see the pitch time and time again.

Suarez is under contract for 2025 and owns two player options for 2026 and 2027 at $8 million each season. In his first season in a closer role, Suarez saved 36 games for the Padres and recorded a 2.77 ERA and a 1.046 WHIP. Overall, it was a successful year for Robert Suarez.

So, why would the Padres trade him?

He is replaceable.

For the most part, closers are replaceable as new arms emerge each season throughout the league. The position is not one of longevity. There are very few pitchers who can close ball games year after year. Early in his career, Craig Kimbrel looked like the best closer of all time. Now, he can’t even find a job. It happens. It’s best to sell high on closers as their success is usually fleeting.

The Padres have several internal options for replacing Suarez. Jeremiah Estrada and Jason Adam would be the top candidates. Both men are indeed capable, but when moving either to a closer role, the setup situation may get dicey. That may be okay for the Padres, as the team has Sean Reynolds, Adrian Morejon, and a few other pitchers on the roster who could step up into high-leverage situations.

A.J. Preller and his staff are great at locating talent, and the Padres could surely add high-leverage relievers for pennies on the dollar. The bullpen would not be an issue for the Padres in 2025 if they traded Robert Suarez. That is obvious.

Robert Suarez is an effective closer. But he is replaceable. If the Padres wish to save some money, Suarez is a viable option to be traded. His contract is affordable, and the Padres would receive decent talent in return. The Milwaukee Brewers are said to be shopping their close Devin Williams. He is in the last year of his contract and making $10.5 million. His value is comparable to Suarez’s. It will be interesting to see what the Brewers get for him, as it will set the mark on value.

If Williams fetches a great haul, expect the Padres to open up shop.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.