Ranger Suarez is proving to be exactly what the Red Sox needed behind Garrett Crochet

Ranger Suarez

© Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Red Sox stated this offseason they were going all-in on pitching, and for most of the offseason, they really didn’t get anyone of note. They traded for Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, but both of them were not suited for the role of the No. 2 pitcher in the rotation.

Then, right before the end of the offseason, the Sox signed Suarez. On January 21st of this year, he inked a deal with Boston for five years, $130 million.

Suarez started off slow, now is extremely hot

Ranger Suarez

© Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Suarez had two bad starts to start the season, but then was quick to heat up. Through his first eight starts, he’s brought his ERA down to 2.44, gotten 40 Ks, and has a whip of 0.974 in 44 innings pitched. On top of that, he’s got a 2.93 FIP, an 8.1 K/9, a 2.2 BB/9, and a 0.6 HR/9.

Breaking it down even further, in his last six starts, he has a 1.00 ERA, a .148 BAA, and 35 Ks. In the last three, he’s thrown scoreless innings, has a .136 BAA, and 21 Ks.

Even his most recent start was electric, even if it ended up in a Boston loss. It was against his former team, the Philadelphia Phillies, where he pitched 5.1 scoreless innings, got eight Ks, only giving up four hits and a walk.

Boston’s future atop the rotation

Ranger Suarez

© Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

If Suarez can keep this up for at least most of his contract, the Sox’ future atop the rotation is looking bright. With a 1-2 punch of Crochet and Suarez, and some solid pitchers to fill out the rotation, and the Sox could have the best pitching staff in baseball.

All Boston needs to do is to upgrade their offense to become a real powerhouse.

MORE MLB NEWS

Why the Red Sox’ strong pitching staff isn’t translating into wins

Why the Red Sox’ offseason decisions are becoming impossible to defend

Red Sox may have finally found a way to fix Brayan Bello