As the Boston Red Sox continue spring training, their newest starting pitcher is drawing rave reviews from his former skipper, Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson.
Thomson recently revealed what makes Ranger Suarez so effective, even as the left-hander now wears Boston red and white after signing a five-year deal in January.
“He’s a throwback to the old guys when guys knew how to read swings and pitch,” Thomson said. “He’ll show you 93 and 94 at times. But don’t get concerned when he’s 88-89. He’s still going to get people out because he knows how to pitch. He commands his pitches, he changes speeds, and he knows how to keep hitters off-balance.”
Rob Thomson the Phillies manager had this to say about the new Red Sox starting pitcher Ranger Suarez:
“He’s a throwback to the old guys when guys knew you to read swings and pitch. He’ll show you 93 [miles per hour] and 94 at times. But don’t get concerned when he’s 88-89.… pic.twitter.com/bajGoh68aL
— Matthew Crory (@matthewcrory) March 14, 2026
The veteran skipper went further in his assessment of Suarez’s personality and reliability. “He’s a wonderful kid. He has fun all the time. He’s as cool as a cucumber; his heart rate never changes. I love him, I really do. As a manager, he’s somebody you really appreciate. He takes the ball and nothing affects him.”
Thomson’s comments carry extra weight coming from the opposing dugout just months after Suarez left Philadelphia. With the Red Sox rotation looking for consistency behind Garrett Crochet, Suarez’s veteran savvy and ability to pitch at varying velocities could prove pivotal in a competitive American League East. As camp progresses, Boston fans can take comfort knowing their new arm brings not just talent but the mental toughness Thomson highlighted.
In 2025 with the Phillies, Ranger Suarez delivered a strong campaign, posting a 12-8 record with a 3.20 ERA across 26 starts and 157.1 innings. He struck out 151 batters while issuing just 38 walks, setting career highs in innings pitched and fWAR. His 1.22 WHIP and ability to limit hard contact made him a reliable rotation staple, even as he dealt with occasional velocity fluctuations that Thomson noted never seemed to rattle him.
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