The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for another go with their core of veteran stars as the 2025 season looms. After a slightly underwhelming 2024 playoff stint that saw them win just one game, the team decided to keep the faith in their roster, sticking with key players like Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler, and Trea Turner, all while their World Series ambitions remain firmly in sight.

However, the winds of change might be on the horizon for some of these core players. J.T.

Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, and Ranger Suárez are all eyeing free agency at the season’s end, which could signal the last ride for this group. Suárez, who is gearing up for his season debut this Sunday after starting the year on the injured list, knows this could be his farewell tour with the Phillies.

His return spices up the conversation around the Phillies’ pitching strategy, potentially creating a six-man rotation dilemma. They could stick with the expanded rotation or move someone to the bullpen to balance things out.

The logical choice might be Taijuan Walker, considering his struggles last year. Yet, given his injury history and the Phillies’ need for a more consistent bullpen, starting Suárez as a reliever could be a savvy move.

However, Suárez doesn’t seem too keen on switching roles during the regular season. In an interview with NBC Philadelphia’s John Clark, he expressed his preference to stay in the rotation.

“Ranger Suarez says he wants to be in the rotation at all times and he is a starting pitcher,” Clark reported. Nevertheless, Suárez added a caveat for the postseason, noting that if circumstances demanded his skills in the bullpen, he’d adapt.

While Suárez is set on being a starter, his willingness to shift roles in pursuit of a championship is a testament to his team-first mentality. “If it is for the team’s sake, and it is to win the World Series, I am willing to do anything,” he stated. It’s this kind of dedication that fuels the Phillies’ pursuit of baseball’s ultimate prize.