PHILADELPHIA — Breaking news: The Phillies have exercised their $9 million club option to keep José Alvarado with the team for the 2026 season.
Despite a tumultuous 2025 season — which included an 80-game suspension for violating MLB’s anti-doping policy and a left arm injury — Alvarado was given another chance, confirming that he remains part of the organization’s long-term plans.
With this decision, the Phillies not only retain a key pitcher — but also place their faith in Alvarado as a generational icon who will play a key role in the bullpen in the years to come.
The 2025 season won’t be easy for Alvarado. After a promising start, he was suspended for 80 games for testing positive for a banned substance — a penalty that cost him nearly half the season and kept him out of the postseason.
He later admitted he made a mistake: using a diet pill containing a banned substance — and he took to social media to apologize to fans, teammates, and the team.
But after all the pressure, after all the doubt, Alvarado got back up — he returned to Citizens Bank Park in August, worked hard, and even though the season ended with an injury, the Phillies still appreciated his speed, potential, and drive.
Their decision to keep Alvarado — rather than buy out his contract — sent a strong message: mistakes happen, but hard work and dedication deserve a chance. Alvarado may not be perfect, but he is someone the Phillies believe can bounce back and contribute long-term.
At 30, with a Lefty pitching range that has already won over batters with a 99–100 mph fastball, Alvarado still has a chance to make a strong comeback.
Keeping him will not only help the Phillies maintain a strong bullpen — but also stabilize the staff and avoid a pitching crisis — which is crucial as the team continues to aim for a lofty 2026 season.
In addition, this decision could help Alvarado return to the image of a reliable pitcher — a new icon for Phillies fans, especially after a series of tumultuous days.
A member of the leadership team shared with the media: “We believe José can come back stronger than before. He needs time — and we will give him that time.”
If Alvarado seizes the opportunity — regains form, adjusts his game — he could absolutely become one of the main pitchers, bullpen icons for many seasons in Philly.
José Alvarado’s story in 2025—from the punishment, to the frustration, to the chance for recovery—is more than just a sports drama. It’s also a testament to perseverance, the desire to start over, and the will to fight. Phillies fans—who always demand titles and achievements—can see another side this time: the humanity that connects the team, the players, and the community.
The Phillies’ retention of him isn’t just about talent—it’s about the person behind every pitch.
And for Alvarado, every time he steps onto the mound in 2026 will be more than just a pitch—it’s a commitment: to his teammates, to the fans, to the responsibility of being given a second chance.
The biggest thing next season may not be a strikeout or a save—it’s the redemption and rebirth of José Alvarado, the Phillies’ new bullpen icon.
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