Report: Top Closer Enters The Trade Market

After the recent run of reliever signings around the majors, the pickings are starting to look slim on the free agent front for decent bullpen additions. Only a couple truly remain.

But a top closer is now apparently available by trade, as one report has San Diego Padres' closer Robert Suarez being put out there.

According to Dennis Lin in The Athletic, the recent signing of free agent starter Nick Pivetta for four years and $55 million might lead to the Padres having to trim salary from somewhere other than their rotation.

A deal involving closer Robert Suarez remains at least a decent possibility. Suarez is owed $10 million in 2025 and can opt out after the season. The Padres, still seeking to trim some payroll, believe they could field an effective bullpen even if they end up moving him.

Suarez, 33, had an All-Star season in his first year as a closer in only his 3rd MLB season, racking up 36 saves, 4th-best in the majors. He also had a 2.77 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP.

Beyond Suarez, the Friars have Jason Adam as a potential closer, as he had a bit of closing experience when he was with the Tampa Bay Rays, notching 12 during a two-month run with the job in 2023. He added another four last season before getting dealt to San Diego.

Adam certainly has the nasty stuff to close, with a 2.87 career ERA, a 0.99 WHIP and 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings. He's held opposing batters to a ridiculous .180 batting average throughout his seven-year career.