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The San Diego Padres are coming off a frustrating 2025 season, as they came up just short in the NL Wild Card round to the Chicago Cubs. But, if there was one massive positive from the season, it was their star-studded bullpen.
Mason Miller coming to San Diego was a huge get, and now, some more change is coming for the Padres. Unfortunately, it's not of the good kind.
According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, Padres' All-Star and 2025 NL Saves leader Robert Suarez is opting out of his two-year, $16 million contract option.
Padres' Robert Suarez opts out of two-year, $16 million contract
"Breaking: Padres All-Star closer Robert Suarez, who led the NL with 40 saves, has opted out," Heyman reports, "Had $16M over 2 years to go. Now a free agent."
Breaking: Padres All-Star closer Robert Suarez, who led the NL with 40 saves, has opted out. Had $16M over 2 years to go. Now a free agent.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 3, 2025Suarez is opting out of his Padres deal, becoming a free agent as he looks for a big contract at 34 years old. After four years in San Diego, Suarez is not on the open market.
The Padres could still try and bring him back, but with Miller as a clear option to take over closing duties, along with the rest of their bullpen still being strong, letting Suarez walk to focus on the starting rotation is a likely outcome.
Suarez is coming off another incredible season in San Diego. In 70 games, Saurez had a 2.97 ERA with a 4-6 record, 40 saves, 75 strikeouts, and 16 walks allowed in 69.2 innings pitched.
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His 2025 season was the third time in his career that he's had an ERA+ above 140, as he finished with a 144 ERA+. He also earned his second All-Star nod and had a career high 2.3 bWAR.
Unfortunately, Suarez is leaving the Padres, just like Michael King. Both opted out of their deals, as expected, but it's still a tough blow now that it's official.
With Mike Shildt's unexpected retirement, A.J. Preller is bound to have a very busy and massive offseason for the Padres. Suarez might've played his final game with the Padres, and if that's the case, his breakout with the Padres has been a huge boon for San Diego the last four seasons.
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