Red Sox Facing Early Concern With $130 Million Arm The Boston Red Sox signed Ranger Suárez to a five-year, $130 million contract this offseason, positioning him as a key contributor to the rotation alongside frontline starters Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray. However, just days before the 2026 MLB season begins, the team is already grappling with concerns about Suárez’s readiness. According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox have expressed worries about his buildup following a limited spring training workload. Suárez has only pitched 9.1 innings during spring sessions and the World Baseball Classic, raising questions about his preparedness for the regular season. Manager Alex Cora has indicated that Suárez will remain in the rotation but will likely be used sparingly in the early stages of the season. Suárez’s slow ramp-up is more significant than it might initially appear. While limiting a starter early in the season is not unheard of, the Red Sox’s approach here feels different. Suárez is not a depth arm or a backend reliever; he is a cornerstone of Boston’s rotation strategy. The team’s $130 million investment was based on expectations of durability and immediate impact. A delayed start could disrupt these plans. If Suárez is restricted to four or five innings in his first few starts, it could strain the bullpen, which has shown inconsistency in recent years. This would also force the Red Sox to rely more heavily on Crochet and Gray early in the season, increasing the risk of overuse for those pitchers. Additionally, Suárez’s playing style adds another layer of complexity. His success has historically depended on rhythm and efficiency rather than overpowering velocity. A lack of full stretch could narrow his margin for error, particularly against the deep American League teams.#boston_red_sox #ranger_suarez #alex_cora #garrett_crochet #sonny_gray
Boston Red Sox's Ranger Suarez Faces Concerns Over Readiness for 2026 Season The Boston Red Sox have expressed concerns about the readiness of pitcher Ranger Suarez ahead of the 2026 MLB season, according to insider reports. The team’s decision to sign Suarez to a five-year, $130 million contract in January has been a major offseason move, but questions remain about his preparedness for the upcoming season. Suarez, a left-handed starter, is expected to serve as Boston’s No. 3 pitcher behind Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray. However, reports from the Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham suggest that manager Alex Cora and the coaching staff have reservations about Suarez’s workload and conditioning. Abraham noted that Suarez has only pitched in four games and accumulated 9.1 innings this spring, including his participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The quick turnaround between the WBC and the Red Sox’s regular-season opener on March 26 has raised concerns about his ability to contribute immediately. Cora indicated that Suarez would still be part of the rotation but warned that he might be "limited at first," meaning his role could be restricted in the early part of the season. This assessment comes despite Suarez’s impressive 2025 season, during which he pitched a career-high 157 1/3 innings and was named an All-Star with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024. The Red Sox’s cautious approach reflects the team’s balancing act between leveraging Suarez’s talent and ensuring he is fully prepared for the demands of a full season. With the 2026 season approaching, the focus will be on how quickly Suarez can adapt to Boston’s system and regain his pre-injury form.#boston_red_sox #ranger_suarez #alex_cora #garrett_crochet #sonny_gray
