Remember how everyone was making a big stink about the Boston Red Sox's cheapness after they failed to sign Alex Bregman, leaving them the lone MLB team not to spend any money in free agency this offseason?
Well, they've quashed those concerns with authority, handing longtime Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suárez a five-year, $130 million deal on Wednesday. It does not include deferrals or a no-trade clause, but it will cost the Red Sox some valuable assets, seeing as the Phillies did extend the qualifying offer to the southpaw.
Following earlier offseason additions Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo by way of trade, the team's rotation is now all but locked in for the 2026 season. Those three, plus Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello, will enter Opening Day as the starting quintet, with Kutter Crawford, Patrick Sandoval, and a smattering of prospects and pre-arbitration arms offering support from the bullpen or Worcester.
Save for another bullpen addition or two, the pitching staff in Boston is set. Naturally, that means it's time for the front office to turn their attention back to the position player side of things. And who better to add next than Suárez's personal catcher from his time in Philly?
That’s a 2nd round pick, 5th round pick, and $1 MM in international bonus pool money. https://t.co/niQ1rhuxQd
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) January 14, 2026
Red Sox should aggressively push for J.T Realmuto signing after picking up Ranger Suárez
Suárez and J.T. Realmuto formed a strong relationship during their time in Philadelphia together, and the backstop caught 20 of the southpaw's 26 starts in 2025, producing a 2.79 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 122 2/3 innings.
In fact, throughout his career, Suárez has been an ace-caliber pitcher while throwing to the veteran catcher, compiling a 43-28 record and 3.05 ERA in 144 appearances. Without Realmuto behind the dish, Suárez's performance drops dramatically (4.46 ERA in 43 appearances).
Plus, the 34-year-old would be a huge offensive upgrade over Connor Wong in the backup catcher spot. Even in a down season, Realmuto posted a 94 wRC+ and was worth 2.1 fWAR; meanwhile, Wong produced a 39 wRC+ and -0.7 fWAR.
It's known that the Phillies have a three-year offer out to Realmuto, though that is subject to change pending their pursuit of Bo Bichette (another marquee Red Sox target). Boston would likely be more obliged to offer something in the neighborhood of a 1+1 deal (i.e., one guaranteed year with a player option for a second), but the money "saved" by not signing Bregman could easily be allocated to both pitcher (Suárez) and catcher (Realmuto).
It's not the third base replacement the team desperately needs, but it's another positive move the team can stack on top of the Suárez signing. Upgrading the backup catcher spot has been on the front office's list of priorities this offseason, and it's hard to imagine a better resolution than adding Realmuto to the fold.