The Philadelphia Phillies’ season has been filled with unexpected twists, with reliever often at the center of them.
Early on, Alvarado appeared poised to seize the closer role after Jordan Romano faltered. However, in May he was hit with an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, which also ruled him out for postseason play.
He rejoined the Phillies on Aug. 20, but after giving up five earned runs in six innings—including three home runs—he landed back on the injured list with a season-ending forearm strain.
Philadelphia now faces a decision on Alvarado’s future, holding a $9 million club option for next year with a $500,000 buyout. On Sunday, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale suggested the Phillies may be best off moving on after his tumultuous season.
“With Alvarado sidelined by a forearm injury and barred from the playoffs due to his PED suspension, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Phillies cut ties,” Nightengale wrote. “Given how much he disappointed the club this year, buying out the option and letting him go might be the smartest move.”
Over five years in Philadelphia, Alvarado has been effective overall, producing a 3.48 ERA across 235 2/3 innings with 308 strikeouts and a 3.36 FIP. Still, baseball is a results-driven business, and his 2025 campaign leaves a bitter impression.
If the Phillies decline to keep him, they’ll face the challenge of reshaping a bullpen that remains unsettled outside of established closer Jhoan Duran.
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