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▲ Albert Suarez, who was designated for assignment by his team, cleared waivers and declared free agency.
[SPOTV News=Reporter Kim Tae-woo] Despite pitching effectively, former Samsung hurler Albert Suarez (36) was designated for assignment by his team three times in the span of a month. Interest is growing over what his next move will be.
According to MLB.com’s transaction tracker, Suarez declared free agency on the 29th (Korean time) and entered the market. That makes him eligible to negotiate with all 30 major-league clubs.
This season Suarez became one of the most shuffled — and intriguing — players in baseball. After appearing in just five games last year due to injury, he signed a minor-league deal with Baltimore in December. Familiarity with the Orioles’ pitching staff and a perceived path back to the big leagues likely factored into that decision.
He was promoted to the majors on April 2. Used mainly as a long reliever, Suarez tossed 19 2/3 innings across seven appearances this season, going 1-0 with a 2.75 ERA. His .197 batting average against and 1.17 WHIP indicated solid, dependable results. Normally, a pitcher with those numbers would stick on a major-league roster — but Baltimore’s roster management this year has been anything but steady.
▲ Although Suarez declared free agency, many expect he will re-sign with Baltimore.
On April 27, Baltimore designated Suarez for assignment without citing any specific issue. He had exhausted his minor-league options, so the club had to expose him to waivers before a demotion. After clearing waivers, a player can elect free agency or accept a minor-league assignment; Suarez initially elected free agency on April 30.
One day later, on May 1, he signed another minor-league deal with the Orioles. Local observers saw the brief free-agency declaration as a strategic move to secure better minor-league terms. The theory: Suarez and the club had coordinated the paperwork with the intention of keeping him in Baltimore’s organization.
Suarez was back in the majors on May 2, lending credibility to that idea. The club likely removed him from the 40-man roster to open a spot, re-signed him to a minor-league deal, then recalled him when needed. After one appearance he was DFA’d three days later and accepted a minor-league assignment. Baltimore recalled him on May 20, DFA’d him again on May 26, and he elected free agency on May 29. In less than two months he went through the DFA process three times — a rare pattern that’s become known as DFA limbo.
▲ Suarez underwent three DFA moves in less than two months this year, but the last two times he stayed within the Orioles organization.
Now all eyes are on the outcome. It’s possible Suarez will sign another minor-league contract and be recalled when Baltimore needs innings — again under a behind-the-scenes understanding. Under that scenario, the paperwork changes but the Orioles continue to treat Suarez as part of their major-league plans, perhaps offering improved minor-league terms in return. The possibility of such side agreements has stirred debate locally.
MLB Trade Rumors noted that this is the second time this season Suarez cleared waivers and later declared free agency before rejoining the Orioles on a minor-league deal. Given his history with the club, the site suggested a return to Baltimore is likely. Suarez and the Orioles appear comfortable with each other, and the cycle of DFA, free-agency declaration and re-signing could repeat.
Suarez also has reason to prefer Baltimore if the club guarantees major-league opportunities. Familiar to KBO fans for his 2022–23 stint with Samsung, Suarez mounted an MLB comeback in 2024 after his release from Samsung. Baltimore rewarded him with a strong season: in 32 appearances (24 starts) he went 9-7 with a 3.70 ERA, reestablishing himself at the big-league level.
▲ Suarez faces controversy over possible side agreements as the DFA–free agency–re-signing pattern continues.
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