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It was a quiet offseason for the San Diego Padres. Despite Nick Pivetta, they engaged in trade talks involving closer Robert Suarez, hoping to shed his $10 million salary due to a tight financial crunch. According to , the Padres didn’t receive a single offer. "The Padres that closer Robert Suarez is available with their money crunch, wanting to shed his $10 million salary. Well, they did not get one single offer. Not one," Nightengale reported. Now, as the 2025 season unfolds, the Padres are looking smart for holding onto Suarez. He’s been near perfect in the early going, converting all 10 of his save opportunities without allowing an earned run. Through his first 15 appearances, he boasts a 0.00 ERA and an impressive 0.455 WHIP, demonstrating why the Padres were hesitant to part with him despite financial pressures. Suarez's reliability has been key to the Padres' strong 17-11 start to the season, helping them remain within striking distance of the top spot in the ultra-competitive National League West. The Non-Trade of Robert Suarez: A Risk That Paid Off Suarez, signed to a five-year, $46 million deal in November 2022, is owed $26 million over the next three seasons. In addition to his $10 million salary for 2025, Suarez has the option to opt out of his contract after this season and test free agency. If he chooses to stay with the Padres, he will earn $8 million in 2026, with player options for 2027 and 2028. With trade talks going nowhere, keeping Suarez not only provided financial flexibility for the Padres but also gave them a key weapon in an already strong bullpen. Whether or not they can retain him beyond 2025 remains a story to watch, but for now, his performance is vindicating the Padres' decision to hold onto him. Robert Suarez is the first closer to record 10 saves this season! (MLB x @loanDepot) — MLB (Bot) () Padres Bullpen Rolls On So far this season, the Padres' bullpen has been one of the best in baseball. With a league-leading 1.63 ERA, San Diego's relievers have helped mask some offensive struggles. Their 2.91 FIP ranks third in the majors, underscoring their dominant performances late in games. Suarez, along with fellow relievers Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam, and Jeremiah Estrada, has been integral to the Padres’ bullpen success. Together, this quartet has combined for more than 30 innings of shutout ball, with Suarez leading the charge as one of the game’s most consistent closers. Despite the Padres' lack of offensive firepower at times, their bullpen has kept them in nearly every game, with the team losing only three games by more than three runs. With a tight, well-balanced roster, the Padres' pitching staff, anchored by the bullpen, is firmly setting the tone for the season ahead. Main Photo: © Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images The post appeared first on .
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