Robert Suarez Signs $45M Braves Contract in MLB Free Agency

Robert Suárez is on the move for the first time in his career.

After declining his player option with the San Diego Padres and entering free agency, the star closer signed a three-year, $45 million deal with Atlanta, the team announced Thursday.

Jeff Passan of ESPN first reported the deal.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the plan is for Suarez to serve as the Braves' setup man in front of closer Raisel Iglesias.

Suárez signed a five-year, $46 million contract with the Padres in 2022. He had two years and $16 million remaining on the deal, but decided to opt out and try his luck in free agency, a decision that ultimately paid off.

The deal with the Braves comes after another outstanding season. He recorded a 2.97 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and a career-best 2.3 WAR. He picked up 40 saves for the Padres, the most in the National League and the second-most in baseball, and had 75 strikeouts and just 16 walks in 69.2 innings.

He earned his second consecutive All-Star nod in 2025, serving as an injury replacement for the Braves' Chris Sale.

Amid his strong play, Suárez was the subject of trade talks ahead of the deadline as the Padres shopped a few key players. San Diego ultimately opted to keep him around, but he'll now leave on his own in free agency.

After establishing himself as one of the best closers in baseball, the 34-year-old Suárez will look to continue his success in Atlanta in a new role as one of the league's premier eighth-inning arms.