Athletics make surprising move with Wander Suero signing during free-agent whirlwind
The Oakland Athletics continue to shake up their roster this November, adding a fresh name to their collection of minor-league free agents. Their latest acquisition, Wander Suero, brings experience and a history of volatility from the mound. This recent signing follows the re-signing of left-handers Matt Krook and Ben Bowden, both of whom were brought in last winter.
A Journey Through the Majors
Suero, a 34-year-old right-hander, began his 2023 season by signing a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves in January. His stint with Atlanta, however, was not without its challenges. He made his major league debut on July 13, appearing in three games that month. During that brief stretch, he struggled significantly, allowing six runs on five hits and two walks over five innings, culminating in a disheartening 13.50 ERA.
After being designated for assignment by the Braves in early September, Suero was picked up by the New York Mets. His time with the Mets was fleeting; he managed just two innings in the minors before the season concluded. His 2024 campaign with the Houston Astros was similarly brief, where he made one appearance against the Kansas City Royals. In a high-pressure moment, he entered the game in the ninth inning with the score tied, only to yield a game-winning hit to Salvador Perez on just two pitches, marking a rough start to his time with the Astros.
Career Overview and Performance Metrics
Throughout his career, Suero has spent seven of the last eight seasons in the major leagues, amassing a total of 199 2/3 innings pitched with a 4.96 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. Despite this experience, he has not been a regular contributor since his time with the Washington Nationals in 2021.
His recent journey through the majors reflects a pattern of teams looking to revive his potential. Notable franchises like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, and New York Mets have all taken a chance on him, although each has ultimately let him go. His most significant innings pitched in recent years came with the Dodgers, where he appeared for just eight innings in 2023.
Strong Triple-A Performance Raises Eyebrows
Despite the struggles at the major league level, Suero’s performance in Triple-A offers a glimmer of hope. In 43 games with Atlanta this past season, he logged 46 2/3 innings, boasting an impressive 1.35 ERA and a 2.62 FIP. He struck out an impressive 31.2% of batters faced while maintaining a walk rate of just 6.9%. These statistics suggest that while he may have faltered in the majors, he has the capability to dominate at the Triple-A level.
Suero’s pitching arsenal features a solid cutter, averaging 92 miles per hour, complemented by a changeup that he relied on heavily this past season, along with a few curves.
A Depth Move for the A’s
The Athletics’ decision to add Suero appears to be a strategic depth move. While it’s likely he will play a role only if injuries arise or if the team finds itself in a dire situation, his experience could be valuable. However, his history suggests he may struggle with giving up home runs and generating ground balls, two factors that could complicate his effectiveness, especially in the challenging environment of West Sacramento.
As the off-season unfolds, Suero’s addition to the Athletics serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball—and the ongoing quest for teams to find hidden gems among the ranks of minor-league free agents.
