Robert Suarez Still Expected To Close Games After Padres' Recent Bullpen Signings

The San Diego Padres have been fairly quiet this entire offseason, but they have recently signed two players to help in their bullpen. The front office signed relievers Woo-Suk Go and Yuki Matsui, both of whom are expected to help in late-game situations. 

The team's closer from last year, Josh Hader, is currently a free agent, and he isn't expected to return to the club. So, the Padres will be looking for different ways to help replicate the production of Hader.

They have some solid options with their new additions, but there is one right-hander on the roster already who may be first in line. The Athletic's Dennis Lin is reporting that the team is still expected to use veteran Robert Suarez as the main closer this coming season. 

"Go, who had been arguably the KBO’s best closer, will be in the mix for late-inning opportunities with the Padres. Neither he nor the more widely known Matsui have been promised save chances, club officials said. The team expects to get a clearer sense of responsibilities in spring training, but Robert Suarez, now in the second year of a five-year, $46 million deal, currently projects as the favorite to handle the bulk of the ninth-inning duties."

Per Dennis Lin of The Athletic

Prior to the signings of Go and Matsui, Suarez was the favorite to win the closer role next season. Suarez had a down 2023 season compared to his impressive debut 2022 year.

Over 26 games, Suarez posted an ERA of 4.23 and a WHIP of 0.90. He started the year out with an injury and never recovered from it. 

The Padres are hopeful that he will be able to recover his form from 2022. If he can, the closer role will likely be his to lose. Either way, San Diego will have flexibility in the bullpen, which should help them throughout the season.