REPORT: Phillies’ own Alec Bohm and Ranger Suárez are keen to stay put. Here’s why extending their contracts makes sense for both.

With Bohm and Suárez setting the pace early on, and considering the recent trend of contract extensions among Phillies players, let’s analyze the potential for each player to sign a multiyear deal.

Alec Bohm found himself in the outfield of Angel Stadium two hours before a recent game, going through his pre-game routine. As he glanced at the left field scoreboard, he saw his name listed second among National League batting leaders, a testament to his progress with the Phillies. Just a year ago, Bohm was on the trade block during spring training and started the season as part of a third base platoon, making notable errors that became viral moments. However, Bohm has turned things around, establishing himself as the Phillies’ everyday third baseman and cleanup hitter behind Bryce Harper. He’s become a reliable hitter with runners in scoring position, tallying impressive RBI numbers, and currently ranks among the hottest hitters in the league.

Given the Phillies’ recent trend of keeping their core players together, Bohm, along with homegrown pitcher Ranger Suárez, who was named National League pitcher of the month after a stellar 5-0 start with a 1.32 ERA, could be ideal candidates for multiyear contract extensions. While Bohm is under team control through the 2026 season, he remains focused on taking things one day at a time, acknowledging the rarity of long-term stability in the majors.

Suárez, who was signed out of Venezuela at 16 years old in 2012 and is under control through the next season, isn’t looking too far ahead either. Expressing his desire to remain with the Phillies, he emphasized his goal of sustaining a career in the major leagues for as long as possible. While Suárez is open to the idea of an extension, he leaves such matters to his agents to handle.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski typically refrains from discussing potential contract negotiations. However, with both Bohm and Suárez performing exceptionally well and considering the recent trend of contract extensions within the team, it’s worth examining each player’s potential for a multiyear deal.

Suárez, 28, debuted in the majors in 2018 primarily as a reliever, but his trajectory changed midway through the 2021 season when he transitioned to a full-time starter role. Despite some injury setbacks, including COVID-19 and various strains, Suárez has been steadily evolving into a top-tier starter. He has refined his pitch arsenal, particularly his curveball and changeup, while maintaining his signature sinker, which induces weak contact, often resulting in ground balls. This season, Suárez has demonstrated exceptional command and consistency, attributing part of his success to arriving on time for spring training compared to previous years’ visa-related delays.

While Suárez may downplay his achievements with a playful demeanor, those close to him note his dedication and determination, suggesting that a disappointing performance in the NL Championship Series last year may have motivated him to intensify his offseason training regimen.

During spring training, Suárez outlined his goals for the 2024 season, emphasizing staying healthy and pitching 200 innings. Achieving these goals could potentially pave the way for a contract extension. A comparable example is Twins right-hander Pablo López, who, like Suárez, had one year of arbitration eligibility remaining when Minnesota secured him with a four-year, $73.5 million deal last season. Considering Suárez’s impressive performance in the postseason with a 1.62 ERA over the last two years, he might negotiate for a higher average annual salary.

The Phillies already have significant financial commitments to pitchers like Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, totaling $66.56 million per year through 2027, along with Taijuan Walker due $18 million annually in 2025 and 2026. Locking in Suárez at an average of, for instance, $20 million per year would represent a substantial investment in their rotation. However, the Phillies also have low-cost starters like lefty Cristopher Sánchez, and with prospects Andrew Painter and possibly Mick Abel expected to join the rotation next season, there are pitchers at the lower end of the payroll spectrum.

Despite the potential distractions, Suárez remains focused on his goal, stating that maintaining his health and performance throughout the season will lead him in the right direction.

As for Bohm, his career took a turn during a game where he made three errors, representing a pivotal moment. Reflecting on the past two years, Bohm acknowledges the uncertainty he faced and the need to prove himself as an everyday big-league player. Under interim manager Rob Thomson since June 2022, Bohm has made significant progress, reaching the 20-homer mark last season and improving defensively. At 27, his offensive capabilities are aligning with his power and patience at the plate, fulfilling the potential expected of a third overall draft pick in 2018.

Despite being represented by agent Scott Boras, who typically guides clients towards free agency, Bohm is now more comfortable in Philadelphia, appreciating the opportunity and trust bestowed upon him by the coaching staff. Even in the face of potential uncertainty, Bohm expresses gratitude for his current role as an everyday player with the Phillies.