PHILADELPHIA – After a tumultuous season that ended in a disappointing NLDS loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the future of one of the team’s heartthrobs is looking brighter: Left-handed pitcher José Alvarado is expected to stay with the Phillies next season, and his promise that “he’ll come back stronger” seems to have come true.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if José is still here next year. But there’s something new — something different,”
– Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations.
Alvarado’s 2025 is an emotional rollercoaster. He started the season impressively with a 2.70 ERA in 20 games before serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for exogenous testosterone. After returning in August, Alvarado played just six games, and his inconsistent performance and left wrist injury forced the team to place him on the disabled list on September 12. Although he didn’t make the playoffs, Alvarado’s impact on the bullpen ended up being notable: 4-2, 3.81 ERA, 32 strikeouts and 7 saves in 28 games.
Dombrowski also confirmed that the Phillies have a $9 million option on Alvarado next season, which expires five days after this season’s World Series. With a large number of free agents and a roster that needs to be strengthened, this will be a big decision for the team’s leadership.
“Personally, I can’t remember what I built here. Not just the pitches, but the love, the passion, the trust of the fans,”
— José Alvarado, in a video posted on October 17.
Alvarado also pledged to take maximum care of his health to avoid a recurrence of injuries, and announced that “next season will be the best version ever.” That made young players like Cristopher Sánchez or Orion Kerkering believe that next year’s bullpen can still be a reliable support.
Head coach Rob Thomson emphasized that Alvarado is still in the team’s strategic plan:
“I love the way he plays, I love the way he brings energy into the locker room. No matter what people say, in my eyes, he is still one of the best pitchers in the backfield,” — Thomson shared in the press conference ending the season on October 16.
The team has also confirmed that it will retain its entire coaching staff and add a new strategic advisor to strengthen its bullpen next season.
Philadelphia is embarking on a major rebuild with a mix of experience and youth. The starting pitching group will likely consist of Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo, Aaron Nola, and Taijuan Walker, with Alvarado being a key figure in the backfield. The outfield is expected to see a major change, with Harrison Bader expected to leave and Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller ready to compete.
📊 Alvarado’s 2025 season highlights:
28 games, 1.2 WHIP, 32 strikeouts
4–2 win-loss, 3.81 ERA
Keeping José Alvarado isn’t just about keeping a quality pitcher. It was a move that reaffirmed the Phillies’ belief in his recovery and affirmed that this is still “Alvarado’s journey – and no one expects him to leave here.”
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