By Drew VonScioShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Philadelphia Phillies know they are going to have to make some tough decisions this winter. With a lot of expensive players hitting free agency, it's impossible for any team to bring all of them back, and Philadelphia is no exception.
Most of the focus this winter is going to be centered around designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, and it's understandable as to why he would be the priority. However, it doesn't mean there won't be roster casualties to prevent the organization from doing the same things and expecting a different result.
One of those casualties appears to be in the starting rotation as Phillies insider Todd Zolecki all but confirmed the team will be moving on from eight-year veteran Ranger Suarez.
..."I'd say pour yourself your favorite drink -- it can be anything from water to something a little stiffer -- find a quiet place, sit down, take a sip and just reflect on how much fun it was to watch Ranger pitch the past several years," Zolecki wrote on MLB.com when asked how fans should cope with his departure. "I understand why the Phillies can't bring back everybody, but it doesn't mean it's not going to hurt the rotation once he's gone."
Suarez has been a workhorse for the Phillies over the last two seasons as he's made 27 and 26 starts in each of the last two years. In that stretch, he has managed to keep his ERA between 3.00 and 3.50 with a strikeout-to-walk ratio greater than 3.5 for the Phillies.
As Zolecki stated, it's going to be difficult for Phillies fans to watch Suarez pitch elsewhere next season. He's been with the team for the entirety of his career so far, and he didn't indicate publicly that he wanted to leave. However, Jesus Luzardo appears to be the priority with keeping a left-handed pitcher in the rotation.
Suarez has been projected to sign a $164 million deal this winter and is expected to have a lot of potential suitors throughout the offseason.
More MLB: Phillies Get Optimistic Kyle Schwarber Answer Ahead of Winter Meetings
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