Red Sox Have 'Concerns' About Ranger Suarez's Readiness for Opening Day

Pitcher may be 'limited at first' due to limited spring training innings

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:34pm

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The Boston Red Sox have expressed concerns about the readiness of offseason free agent signing Ranger Suarez ahead of the 2026 MLB season. Suarez, who signed a five-year, $130 million deal with the team in January, has only pitched 9.1 innings this spring including his World Baseball Classic appearances. Manager Alex Cora indicated Suarez will still be in the rotation to start the season, but may be 'limited at first' due to his limited build-up.

Why it matters

Suarez was the Red Sox's biggest offseason acquisition and is expected to be a key part of their starting rotation. Any limitations or concerns about his readiness could impact the team's performance early in the season as they look to return to the playoffs.

The details

Suarez, a left-handed pitcher, made his first All-Star team in 2024 with the Philadelphia Phillies and pitched a career-high 157 1/3 innings during the 2025 season. However, his limited spring training workload this year due to his World Baseball Classic participation has the Red Sox coaching staff concerned about his readiness for the start of the regular season on March 26.

  • Suarez and his Venezuelan teammates will play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Tuesday night against Team USA.
  • The Red Sox then open their regular season on March 26 against the Cincinnati Reds.

The players

Ranger Suarez

A left-handed pitcher who was the Boston Red Sox's biggest offseason signing, inking a five-year, $130 million deal in January 2026.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

Garrett Crochet

The Red Sox's expected opening day starter ahead of Suarez.

Sonny Gray

Another starting pitcher expected to be ahead of Suarez in the Red Sox's rotation.

Roman Anthony

An outfielder for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“Red Sox have concerns with Ranger Suarez being built up. He has only four games and 9.1 IP this spring counting the WBC. Cora indicated he would still be in the rotation but could be a limited at first.”

— Peter Abraham, Boston Globe reporter

What’s next

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The takeaway

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