The Nationals need starting pitching help. Three of their starting pitchers had disastrous seasons last season, and some suggest that they should be off the team next season. To remedy the situation, the Nationals may be interested in adding pitching in free agency. Some have highlighted Ranger Suarez as a pitcher for the Nationals to target. However, adding the veteran lefty would not be a wise decision.
Throughout his career, Suarez has been successful, especially last season. Suarez had a 3.20 ERA in 26 games started. His output was good enough to record an impressive 4.7 wins above replacement last season. Against the Nationals, Suarez has also been successful. In 17 appearances, he has an 8-2 record and a 3.98 ERA.
Even though Suarez has been a successful pitcher throughout his career, the Nationals should not sign him this offseason. One of the biggest concerns with Suarez has been his decline in fastball velocity. In 2023, his average fastball velocity was 93 miles per hour. This season, it has dropped to 90.5 miles per hour. Suarez does not need high velocity to be successful. He already has been successful with velocity that is below average. However, Suarez is 30, and it is unlikely his fastball velocity will increase. He already is showing signs of regression due to age, and at a certain point, his velocity will be at a point where major league hitters are able to do significant damage even if the rest of his repertoire is above average.
Suarez is also expected to sign a large contract. Now may not be the time for the Nationals to sign a starter of this caliber. Some journalists predict that Suarez could sign a deal as large as six years for $171 million. The Nationals likely will not be competitive for the next two to three seasons, and Suarez’s prime will be in the next two to three seasons. When the Nationals are ready to contend, Suarez will not be at the peak of his abilities. His contract could be a burden on the Nationals' payroll at the time. The Nationals should look to make a commitment like this when they know they can acquire a pitcher in their peak who can contribute to a World Series run.
The Nationals need to improve their pitching, and they should be willing to take risks and sign expensive players for long-term contracts. But Suarez may not be the best use of the team’s resources.