After eight seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, Ranger Suarez decided to take his talents to Boston by signing a five-year, $130 contract. If the Phillies want to make another deep playoff run this upcoming season, they will need to replace last season’s No. 3 starter. One avenue that Dave Dombrowski and the front office can explore is pursuing a top-of-the-rotation starter via trade or free agency. Below, I have mentioned four pitchers who fit that bill and would vary in terms of cost.
1. Framber Valdez
The former Houston Astros pitcher is the top free agent arm available, and even though he is two years older than Suarez, he could still command another long-term deal with a similar AAV. Valdez has spent his entire eight-year career in Houston and has consistently been one of the best starting pitchers, contributing 12+ wins and 28+ starts the last four seasons.
On top of his steady play, Valdez has valuable playoff experience with eight postseason starts during that time span. His consistency and experience pitching during a playoff race would make him a great fit, while also giving the Phillies a left-hander to slot near the top of the rotation behind Zach Wheeler and Aaron Nola.
2. Zac Gallen
The former Arizona Diamondback may not be the top starting pitching option available on the free agent market, but even in a down year had 13 wins and started 33 games. In addition, Gallen is only three years removed from a 17-win season in which he posted a 4.4 WAR.
The seven-year pro will turn 31 during next season, and should still have more productive seasons left. During that 2023 campaign, Gallen played an integral part in getting the Diamondbacks to the World Series, making six postseason starts. If the Phillies want another playoff-proven pitcher to round out the rotation, they could sign Gallen to a short-term prove-it deal to determine whether last season’s performance was a fluke.
3. Zack Littell
After bouncing around three teams during his first 5+ seasons, Littell found a home with the Tampa Bay Rays. From 2023 through 2025, Littell transitioned into a starter and made 65 starts for the Rays, recording eight wins in each of his final two seasons before he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds.
Still a free agent with a month before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, Littell could be signed for a short-term deal with a chance of becoming the Phillies final starter this season.
4. Tarik Skubal
Dave Dombrowski loves his star players, and with an aging roster nearing the end of its championship window, the time to go all in is now. If he wants another left-hander to step in at the top of the rotation, he could call his old team, the Detroit Tigers, and check on Tarik Skubal’s availability.
Skubal is the best starting pitcher in baseball and has won the American League’s Cy Young award in each of the last two seasons. In 2025, Skubal was dominant, posting a 13 - 6 record, a 2.21 ERA, and 241 strikeouts across 195 innings.
Earlier this offseason, it was rumored that the Tigers were willing to trade Skubal, given that he is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season. If Dombrowski is willing to push all of his chips in for this year, he should make a blockbuster trade for the reigning Cy Young award winner with the hope of resigning him to a long-term deal.
Even though the Philadelphia Phillies' rotation took a hit at the hands of the Boston Red Sox, there are still plenty of proven options from outside the organization that could fill Suarez’s spot. Whether it’s a high-priced free agent, a short-term value signing, or a blockbuster trade, Dave Dombrowski has multiple paths to keep this team in contention.
But with an aging core and a championship window that won’t stay open forever, standing pat isn’t an option. The Phillies have made it clear they are about winning now, and how they respond to losing Ranger Suarez will show their fans how serious they are about bringing the championship trophy back to South Philly.