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The San Diego Padres have drawn their line in the sand when it comes to who will be their closer beyond the remainder of this season.
A.J. Preller went out at the trade deadline and made a move that shocked the league as he usually does. One of those was acquiring closer Mason Miller from the Athletics, a player that was not expected to be traded.
Now Robert Suarez’s future in San Diego is in jeopardy.
Getty Images/Orlando Ramirez
Suarez entered Sunday with 48 appearances with a 3.35 ERA for the Padres and 31 saves. He’s blown just four saves so far this year and continues to be an effective reliever at 34 years old.
The righty reliever is in a tough spot as it’s clear San Diego is going with Miller now and into the future for the closer role. However, Suarez does have an opt-out at the end of the season.
According to Spotrac, Suarez could leave $16 million on the table in San Diego if he walks away at the end of the season. However, doing so would allow him to possibly make more money and keep his pedigree as a closer.
His current market value is a three-year deal worth $35.4 million, an average of $11.8 million per year. The upcoming offseason is also likely his last chance to get a multi-year deal, as he will turn 35 years old before next season begins.
If Suarez stays in San Diego, he would have to accept his role as a setup man for the Padres and likely leave some money on the table.
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