Phillies Exercise $9M Option to Retain José Alvarado
In a significant move, the Philadelphia Phillies exercised a $9 million option to retain pitcher José Alvarado for the upcoming season. This decision underscores the team’s confidence in his ability to rebound after a challenging year marked by an 80-game suspension for the use of a performance-enhancing drug.
José Alvarado’s Performance and Suspension
Alvarado, who will turn 31 in May, had showcased his talent prior to the suspension. In early seasons, he maintained a commendable 2.70 ERA, recording 25 strikeouts and only four walks over 20 innings. However, he faced setbacks after receiving an 80-game ban for exogenous testosterone, which he attributed to an unapproved weight-loss supplement.
Upon returning to the mound, Alvarado struggled, giving up five runs—including three home runs—in just six innings. He ended his season with a left forearm strain, but the injury was deemed not serious. Phillies manager Rob Thomson expressed optimism about Alvarado’s health going into the offseason, stating, “I’m bullish on Alvarado. I love his energy and his stuff.”
Future Prospects and Team Strategy
Retaining Alvarado opens various options for the Phillies in their bullpen strategy for the next season. The club now has Jhoan Duran as their closer, which allows for more flexibility with Alvarado’s pitching role. This could lead to a shift in how the team utilizes its late-inning mix.
- Potential return of Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm in setup roles.
- Possibility of shopping Strahm if confident in their lefty options.
- Focus on improving swing-and-miss rates in the bullpen.
Last season, the Phillies ranked 28th in the league for bullpen whiff rates, a significant decline from their previous performance. From 2022 to 2024, the team had ranked sixth in the majors. Alvarado’s absence for half of the previous season contributed to this struggle.
Alvarado’s Pitch Effectiveness
Despite challenges since his return, Alvarado possessed one of the most effective cutters in the league, generating a remarkable 47% whiff rate without allowing any extra-base hits last season. However, his sinker faced difficulties, with opposing batters successfully connecting on a high percentage of his pitches post-suspension.
Competitive Landscape for Lefty Relievers
Alvarado’s return was strategic for the Phillies, as he would have been one of the most sought-after lefty relievers in free agency. Notable free agents in this category include:
- Gregory Soto
- Drew Pomeranz
- Caleb Thielbar
- Tyler Alexander
- Danny Coulombe
- Hoby Milner
- Steven Matz
- Justin Wilson
- Sean Newcomb
With an average fastball velocity of 99.1 mph, Alvarado remains valuable in the eyes of teams, ensuring his place in the Phillies’ future plans. As the organization prepares for the next season, they will be looking for ways to leverage Alvarado’s skills while strengthening their overall bullpen performance.
