By Caleb Gebrewold | Athlon Sports | Updated March 29, 2025, 8:22 AM
The Philadelphia Phillies are entering the 2025 season with one of the deepest and most formidable starting rotations in Major League Baseball, boasting four former All-Stars—including three who were selected to last year’s Midsummer Classic. After finishing 95-67 in 2024 and capturing the NL East title before falling in the NLDS, the Phillies have positioned themselves as legitimate World Series contenders. However, their abundance of pitching talent could lead to a difficult roster decision sooner rather than later.
An Overcrowded Rotation Creates a Trade Possibility
The Phillies bolstered their already strong pitching staff during the offseason by acquiring Jesús Luzardo, a former top prospect, adding even more firepower to their rotation. Andrew Painter, the organization’s top pitching prospect and one of the top 10 prospects in all of baseball, is also expected to make his MLB debut this year. If he delivers on his immense potential, the Phillies will be forced to make some tough calls regarding their current rotation.
That leads to Ranger Suárez, the 2024 All-Star left-hander, who will open the season on the injured list and is set to become a free agent after this year. While the Phillies have the financial flexibility to re-sign him, they also have multiple roster spots to address next offseason. If Painter emerges as a viable rotation option in the coming months, the Phillies could explore trading Suárez before the deadline rather than risk losing him in free agency for nothing.
Yankees’ Desperate Need for Pitching Makes Them a Natural Trade Partner
On the other side of the equation, the New York Yankees find themselves in a desperate situation as their rotation has been ravaged by injuries before the season has even gained momentum.
- Gerrit Cole is out for the entire 2025 season following a major elbow injury.
- Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt will begin the year on the injured list, further thinning the rotation.
- New York’s need for a reliable, veteran starter is now urgent as they look to remain competitive in the AL East.
With Suárez set to earn $8.8 million in his final year of team control, the Yankees—who have one of the strongest collections of young pitching talent in MLB—could be a logical trade partner for the Phillies. Eight of the Yankees’ top 12 prospects are pitchers, which means they could offer Philadelphia valuable young arms in exchange for a proven starter.
Is a Deal Inevitable, or Will the Phillies’ Long-Term Plans Get in the Way?
While a trade between the two teams seems like a natural fit, there are still several key factors that could complicate negotiations:
- The Phillies’ rotation depth could be tested—If injuries occur, they may decide to hold onto Suárez rather than deal from a position of strength.
- Andrew Painter’s timeline remains uncertain—If he isn’t ready to take on a full-time rotation role, Philadelphia may hesitate to trade Suárez midseason.
- The Yankees may prioritize younger, controllable arms—While New York is desperate for pitching, they may hesitate to give up significant prospect capital for a rental starter.
Last season, Suárez posted a 12-8 record with a 3.46 ERA and 145 strikeouts over 150 2/3 innings, proving himself as a dependable middle-of-the-rotation option. If he returns healthy, his trade value could increase as the deadline approaches, making him an attractive piece for contenders in need of starting pitching.
What’s Next?
For now, both teams will monitor their respective rotations over the coming weeks. If the Phillies remain confident in their young arms, they could move Suárez early to maximize his value. But if uncertainty arises regarding Painter’s readiness or injuries hit their own staff, Philadelphia may decide to keep their All-Star lefty and reassess the situation closer to the trade deadline.
With the Yankees urgently needing rotation help and the Phillies sitting on an expendable asset, this situation is one to watch as the season unfolds.
