José Alvarado made a notable exit from the Phillies’ clubhouse during the final weekend of the regular season, seeking assistance to empty his locker. With a hurt elbow and ineligible to pitch in the postseason, he departed the team ahead of his teammates. However, his journey with the Phillies has not concluded, as the team exercised his $9 million option this past Wednesday.
This decision underscores the Phillies’ belief in Alvarado’s potential to bounce back after a turbulent season marred by an 80-game suspension for a performance-enhancing drug. Had he entered free agency, Alvarado, who will turn 31 in May, would have been among the top available left-handed relievers.
Prior to his suspension in mid-May for exogenous testosterone, which he attributed to an unapproved weight-loss supplement, Alvarado showcased impressive statistics, registering a 2.70 ERA with 25 strikeouts and only four walks across 20 innings. Nevertheless, his performance following the ban was less than stellar; he allowed five runs, including three home runs, in just six innings during a difficult return to the mound.
Alvarado concluded the season on the sidelines due to a left forearm strain, which was not deemed serious by the team. In October, Phillies manager Rob Thomson expressed optimism about Alvarado’s health going into the offseason, stating, “I’m really bullish on Alvarado too. I love him. I love his energy. I love his stuff.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, retaining Alvarado does not ensure the Phillies will replicate their 2025 bullpen lineup. They are set to have Jhoan Duran as their closer for the entire season, allowing Thomson more flexibility in deploying Alvarado. The Phillies are also considering the possibility of returning Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm to setup roles while potentially moving Strahm if they feel confident in their lefty options with Alvarado and Tanner Banks.
As the Phillies aim to enhance their bullpen, which ranked 28th in whiff rate last season, it is crucial to have effective options. Alvarado’s success last year with his cutter, which allowed no extra-base hits, alongside his exceptional velocity—averaging 99.1 mph—positions him as a valued asset. This notable velocity and ability to generate swings and misses give the team hope that Alvarado can regain his form in the upcoming season, addressing the challenges faced last season while improving their overall performance in the bullpen.