Report: Padres closer Suarez opts out of deal to join free agency
San Diego Padres right-hander Robert Suarez has opted out of his deal with the club to become a free agent, reports the New York Post's Jon Heyman.
The 34-year-old had two years and $16 million remaining on a five-year, $46-million contract he signed with San Diego in 2022.
Suarez led the National League with 40 saves last season while authoring a 2.97 ERA and striking out 75 in 69 2/3 innings.
The Venezuela native debuted for the Padres in 2022 as a 31-year-old after pitching in Mexico and Japan earlier in his career.
He's saved 77 games and posted a 3.36 FIP and 9.4 K/9 in 206 big-league games, all with the Padres.
Suarez becomes one of the top relief arms available this offseason along with fellow closer Edwin Díaz, who reportedly opted out of his deal with the New York Mets on Monday.