Top 5 Destinations For Free Agent Starter Ranger Suarez

Ranger Suarez isn't a flamethrower, or a No. 1 ace, but he is a darn good pitcher, enough to be considered a solid No. 3 or even a No. 2 in some rotations. Aside from Framber Valdez, he's the best of the remaining starting pitchers still out on the free agent market.

Suarez, 30, doesn't bring overpowering stuff, but rather has excellent command with the ability to induce weak contact. He also brings a career 1.48 ERA in the playoffs across 42.2 innings. That alone should interest a number of teams with designs on going to the postseason.

Here are the five teams that are the best fits and/or most likely destinations for the former Phillie.

Houston Astros:

The Astros have a gaping hole near the top of their rotation, with the expected departure of ace Framber Valdez in free agency. There are several other question marks in their rotation, making the reliable Suárez an attractive target.

Chicago Cubs:

The Cubs have been frequently mentioned as a top destination for Suarez. Given the pitcher's strong ability to induce ground balls, the Cubs' stout infield defense would be a great match for his pitching style.

Baltimore Orioles:

The O's finally appear committed to spending this offseason to build a winner. They've done so on offense by signing slugger Pete Alonso to a rich contract. And despite the addition of once-promising pitcher Shane Baz in a trade, they are still desperate to make a major addition to their rotation. Many sources are tabbing them as a serious threat to sign Suárez.

New York Mets:

The Mets have a clear need for top-tier starting pitching, but GM David Stearns has an aversion to handing out long-term, high-value deals for pitchers. Their offseason, however, has been less than ideal thus far, so they might need to buck that trend to land themselves an ace.

San Francisco Giants:

The Giants are looking to land a legit No. 3 to follow Logan Webb and Robbie Ray in their rotation. Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser were nice adds, but they are No. 4 or No. 5 pitchers at best. Oracle Park's pitching-friendly environment would be an ideal fit for Suárez. His already impressive 0.8 HR allowed per nine innings in a bandbox like Citizens Bank in Philly would suggest that it would be next to impossible to leave the yard off him in San Francisco.