Phillies Exercise Alvarado’s Option; Consider Trading Castellanos
The Philadelphia Phillies have exercised a crucial decision related to left-handed reliever José Alvarado. On Wednesday, they chose to exercise his $9 million option before the deadline, ensuring his presence for the upcoming season. Alvarado, 30, aims to rebound after facing an 80-game suspension for a positive PED test, making him a key player as he enters a pivotal contract year.
Phillies Consider Trading Nick Castellanos
In contrast to Alvarado’s situation, right fielder Nick Castellanos remains a topic of discussion among the Phillies’ management. Throughout the season, Castellanos struggled to meet the expectations of his five-year, $100 million contract. His relationship with manager Rob Thomson has reportedly soured, leading to speculation about a potential trade.
Catalyst for Change
Castellanos faced a volatile performance this season, including a notable incident of insubordination. On June 16, Thomson benched him for defensive reasons, resulting in a visible reaction from Castellanos. This incident, compounded by the team’s overall performance, has created uncertainty about his future with the organization.
Management’s Insight on Castellanos
Phillies President Dave Dombrowski addressed Castellanos’ prospects during a recent press conference. His comments hinted that the organization is weighing their options regarding the right fielder, especially considering his knee injury from late July. Acquiring a player with health concerns poses risks for potential trade partners.
- Castellanos’ current contract: $20 million remaining for 2026
- Defensive performance: Considered among the worst in baseball during his tenure
- Career stats prior to joining: .286 average, 142 home runs over six seasons
Future Outlook for Alvarado
On a more positive note, Alvarado’s recent performances show promise. In the last two seasons, he has maintained a notable 2.53 ERA and a 14.1 strikeout-per-nine rate. Despite injury setbacks and a suspension that hampered his postseason role, Thomson expressed optimism about Alvarado’s potential impact in 2026.
Thomson’s Confidence
“I’m really bullish on Alvarado. I love his energy and stuff,” Thomson stated, highlighting the reliever’s importance going forward. Alvarado’s health is pivotal as the Phillies seek to strengthen their bullpen.
The decisions made regarding both Alvarado and Castellanos will significantly affect the Phillies’ roster as they prepare to face the upcoming free agency market.
