“Not done yet” Robert Suarez on the table as 1 potential Cubs trade target

According to Bruce Levine, the Chicago Cubs are “not done yet” when it comes to making significant moves this off-season.  They’ve already executed trades for a pair of former Houston Astros in Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly, continue to be engaged in Alex Bregman discussions, and now are sticking their nose in the disarray that is going on in San Diego.

Payroll issues with the San Diego Padres 

After years of signing, trading, and extending big name players, the Padres have been very quiet this off-season as they have made just two big league signings.  Branching off that, reports have indicated that they do not have much wiggle room in their payroll.  Despite pitchers and catchers reporting this month, this has resulted in pitchers like Dylan Cease, Michael King, and Robert Suarez being available via trade.

Trading for Robert Suarez is being talked about by Chicago Cubs executives 

On Inside the Clubhouse, Bruce Levine said, “Jed Hoyer is not done yet. We’re talking about Bregman, we’re talking about Cease, we’re talking about a closer named Robert Suarez with San Diego. These are all things that are still on the table, still being talked about.”

Robert Suarez is a complex trade target

Entering his age 34 season, Suarez was a late bloomer in Major League Baseball as he previously spent significant time overseas early in his career.  Through three big league seasons, he has a 2.89 ERA,and he shined in a closer role last year as he racked up 36 saves.  His fastball is one of the best in the game, as its average is just a few ticks below triple digits.

Contract-wise, Suarez has three years remaining on his $46.0 million deal, with the option to opt out after the 2025 season. He is set to earn at least $10 million this year, with the potential to earn an additional $250,000 for each milestone of games finished at 20, 25, 30, and 35, and $500,000 for milestones at 40, 45, 50, and 55 games. If he doesn’t opt out after the 2025 season, he is guaranteed $8.0 million in both 2026 and 2027.

Suarez’s contract alone makes him a complex trade target, as it’s hard to gauge his trade value as he holds all the power as to whether he opts out or not.  Furthermore, should the Cubs acquire him, they may feel more inclined to hand him the closer role.  This could potentially upset Ryan Pressly, who waived his full no-trade clause for the opportunity to be the ninth inning man again.

All these factors make the odds of the Cubs trading for Suarez unlikely.  If they want to add further to the back end of their bullpen, they may be better off spending money on someone like David Robertson, Kenley Jansen, or Kendall Graveman.

Related: Chicago Cubs – San Diego Padres trade proposal featuring Dylan Cease