Ranger Suárez #55 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the MLB London Series match between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets (Image via Getty Images) The Philadelphia Phillies are still sorting out their rotation before the season begins. Ranger Suárez has left for Boston on a five-year deal worth about $130 million, so there is an open spot to fill.Zack Littell is one of the names in consideration. The 30-year-old right-hander is a free agent after a steady 2025 season with Tampa Bay and Cincinnati. He is not a frontline starter, but he has been reliable and can handle a full workload.
Where Zack Littell fits in the rotation
Zack Littell went 10-8 last season with a 3.81 ERA in 186.2 innings. He struck out 130 batters and had a 1.10 WHIP. Those numbers put him in the middle tier of starters.The Philadelphia Phillies already have Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, and Andrew Painter. Littell would likely take the fourth or fifth spot. Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo would remain as depth options.Cost is part of the decision. Littell is expected to get a three- or four-year deal at a much lower annual value than Suárez. That gives the Phillies a way to replace innings without committing to another large contract.
Strengths and concerns
Zack Littell’s main strength is durability. He has handled a full season’s workload and does not walk many hitters. His career ERA of 3.88 and WHIP of 1.21 show that he has been steady.The concern is home runs. He gave up 36 last season, which is high. Citizens Bank Park is not a forgiving place for pitchers who allow fly balls. He is also 30, so there is some risk over multiple years.Adding Littell would also give the rotation another right-handed option, which helps with balance.
What Littell gets from the move
Philadelphia Phillies offer a clear role and a competitive team. The lineup includes Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm, and Brandon Marsh, so run support would be there.Other teams like the Reds, Padres, and Guardians could still be involved. If they pass, they keep their payroll flexible and can rely on younger pitchers.
2025 season comparison with Phillies pitchers
Pitcher (Team)W-LERAIPKBBWHIPHR allowed Zack Littell (TB/CIN) 10–8 3.81 186.2 130 53 1.10 36 Taijuan Walker (PHI) 12–8 3.64 184.1 172 50 1.13 28 Cristopher Sánchez (PHI) 11–7 3.76 175.1 143 47 1.17 24 Jesús Luzardo (PHI) 10–6 3.92 168.2 167 48 1.18 27
Career comparison snapshot
PitcherYearsW-LERAIPKBBWHIP Zack Littell 8 34–29 3.88 602.2 496 223 1.21 Cristopher Sánchez 6 42–31 3.91 682.1 587 214 1.19 Jesús Luzardo 6 38–27 3.94 610.2 652 231 1.22
My thoughts on this rumor
If the Phillies sign Littell at the expected price, they cover the innings lost with Suárez without taking on another large contract. He is not a high-strikeout pitcher, but he is steady and available.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Atlanta Braves potentially eyeing $60 million All-Star to fix rotation ahead of offseasonThe risk is the home run rate and how he ages over the deal. Still, for the role he would fill, the move makes sense.