One of the biggest questions of the offseason for the Philadelphia Phillies is how the bullpen will look in 2025. With several players gone to free agency, the team will look to solidify their core as they look to return to the postseason for the fourth consecutive year. While the Phillies have added free agent reliever Jordan Romano to their bullpen, the biggest addition so far could be from within.
Reports from Clearwater are showing that José Alvarado is in great shape and on track for a bounce back season. Alvarado, 29, posted a video to Instagram that shows the left-hander sporting a slimmer build as he continues to prepare for spring training which is less than two months away. Fan reaction to the video has been generally positive with many expressing optimism about his future in Philadelphia.
Let’s hope José Alvarado’s ‘best shape of his life’ video bodes well for next season
Alvarado is looking to recover from a difficult 2024 campaign as he pitched to a 2-5 record with a 4.09 ERA in 66 games. In addition to the struggles on the field, the reliever also missed time in August when he was added to the restricted list when he left the club to deal with a personal matter.
Prior to the 2024 season, Alvarado was one of the team’s best relievers over the course of the previous two seasons. His best year came in 2023 when he posted a 1.74 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 41 1/3 innings of work. He started off 2024 as the team’s closer and converted 13 out of 16 opportunities before being used in a low-leverage role following his return from the restricted list.
It is worth noting that Alvarado has a club option for the 2026 season, so his future with the team is up in the air beyond this year. He is due a $9 million base salary in 2025, and if the Phillies choose to pick up his option, he will earn the same amount in 2026. If the Phillies do not exercise his option, they can buy out his option year for $500K.
If Alvarado can return to his 2023 form, he will provide the Phillies with another reliable option at the back end of the bullpen alongside Matt Strahm, Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering, all of whom will be in the mix for save opportunities.