Robert Suarez

After pitching in Japan for five seasons, Suarez underwent a bit of an adjustment period in his transition to MLB. The 31-year-old compiled a 4.66 ERA over his first month pitching in the States, but ultimately turned in a fantastic season overall. The rookie right-hander posted a 32% strikeout rate, 2.27 ERA (2.99 SIERA) and 1.05 WHIP across 47.2 innings but was limited to 45 appearances due to a knee injury that required a clean-up procedure in June. Suarez missed two months of action, but he was particularly sharp upon his return, striking out 32 over his final 24.1 innings. He did not allow an earned run at Petco Park all year and established himself as the primary setup man for the Padres. Suarez should maintain that role in 2023, but closing may be in his future after San Diego re-signed him to a five-year, $46 million deal. He'll need to cut down on his walks (11%) to take that next step.

Suarez has never pitched in the States, but he has already made a name for himself in professional baseball. He emerged as one of the top closers in Japan over the last two years. His 2021 season with the Hanshin Tigers was especially impressive, with Suarez posting a 1.16 ERA and 0.77 WHIP to go along with 42 saves. He barely averaged a strikeout per inning in five seasons in Japan, and that simple fact will lead many to doubt Suarez as he transitions to Major League Baseball. However, Suarez has big-league velocity, sitting in the high-90s and reaching triple digits, and he can pull the string on the changeup to get hitters out in front. It's a pitch arsenal that looks like it will play in the majors, and the Padres are betting on it, having signed Suarez to a one-year deal. Bullpen roles are up for grabs in San Diego under new manager Bob Melvin.