The recent signing of Ranger Suárez has significantly bolstered the already impressive starting rotation of the Boston Red Sox. This move not only enhances their lineup but also increases their visibility in the MLB Network's prestigious Top 100 player rankings.
On Wednesday, the MLB Network released its rankings for players ranked from 61 to 80, coinciding with Suárez's signing of a notable five-year contract worth $130 million with Boston. Remarkably, Suárez, who did not make the list in the previous year, has now secured the 79th position.
In this year's rankings, Suárez finds himself just ahead of fellow free-agent lefty Framber Valdez and six spots behind Joe Ryan, a player who has been frequently mentioned as a potential trade target for Boston during the midseason. At 30 years old, Suárez’s ranking places him 21 spots higher than Dylan Cease, who recently inked a substantial seven-year deal worth $210 million with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Additionally, former Red Sox pitcher Nathan Eovaldi is ranked at No. 64, while Freddy Peralta holds the 63rd spot—both are players who have been discussed in offseason trade rumors. Aroldis Chapman, the closer for the Red Sox, is currently sitting at No. 84 following a remarkable comeback season.
There’s a strong case to be made that Suárez merited inclusion in last year's Top 100, given his impressive performance in 2024 with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he achieved a 3.46 ERA. His reputation grew even further after delivering a stellar follow-up season, posting a 3.20 ERA and achieving a career-high 151 strikeouts over 157 and one-third innings.
Over the past five seasons, Suárez ranks 15th in fWAR among all starting pitchers, with an impressive cumulative fWAR of 15.2. He has maintained a commendable 3.25 ERA along with a ground-ball rate of 51.9%. Last season, his hard-hit percentage of 31.1% placed him in the top two percent of MLB pitchers, showcasing his effectiveness on the mound.
With the addition of Suárez, the Red Sox’s pitching staff appears poised to be one of the most formidable in the league for the upcoming 2026 season. Alongside offseason signings like Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, along with Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello, Boston’s rotation is shaping up to be quite competitive. Fans can expect to see Crochet ranked significantly higher in the continuation of the MLB Network’s Top 100 rankings.
About the Author
Andrew Gould is an experienced editorial writer with a passion for sports and fantasy baseball. Hailing from the New York/New Jersey area, he humorously claims he won't mention David Tyree too often.
