Phillies make no-brainer team option decision with José Alvarado's future in question

Even though free agency hasn't yet fully opened up, the Philadelphia Phillies have already begun working on their roster for 2026. The Phillies had until Thursday at 5:00 p.m. ET to resolve their outstanding contract options. With another early move, they made it clear that they'll be bringing back left-hander José Alvarado.

On Wednesday, the Phillies exercised their $9 million team option for 2026, despite Alvarado's disastrous 2025 campaign. With relief pitching at a premium across the league and the bullpen already a weak spot, the move to retain Alvarado's services in 2026 seemed like a no-brainer.

José Alvarado gets one more year after Phillies pick up $9 million team option

Alvarado signed a three-year, $17.5 million contract ahead of the 2023 season, which included a club option for a fourth year. Unfortunately, the Phillies didn't get much value out of the reliever in the final guaranteed year of his deal thanks to an 80-game PED suspension.

Before being suspended on May 18, Alvarado was off to a strong start and had taken over the closer job for manager Rob Thomson. He came into spring training with his velocity up, touching 102 mph and carried that into the season.

In 20 games, he had a 4-1 record with a 2.70 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 20 innings. He had compiled five holds and was a perfect 7-for-7 in save opportunities.

His suspension, which obviously came as a shock, left the Phillies with a large hole in the bullpen. Luckily, lefty Matt Strahm had another strong year and Tanner Banks stepped up with the best season of his career.

Alvarado was ineligible for the playoffs thanks to the suspension, and to make matters worse he only lasted three weeks after returning in mid-August. He struggled to a 7.50 ERA in six innings before landing on the IL with a left forearm strain, ending his disappointing 2025 campaign.

Phillies' 2026 bullpen comes into focus after José Alvarado's return is confirmed

His season undoubtedly raised questions about whether the Phillies would bring back the 30-year-old for one more year. Both manager Rob Thomson and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski had hinted that this would be the decision, but now we know that Alvarado is officially in the bullpen plans, giving the Phillies a strong top five.

With the addition of closer Jhoan Duran at the trade deadline, a move that likely wouldn't have happened if Alvarado hadn't been suspended, the rest of the late-inning bullpen assignments started to come into focus down the stretch for Thomson. The Phillies will feature Strahm and Banks along with Alvarado as strong lefty options. Right-hander Orion Kerkering will be looked to for a bounce-back season after a roller coaster 2025.

That leaves three spots to fill, with some internal options including Seth Johnson, Michael Mercado, Max Lazar and Daniel Robert. You can definitely see the front office going out and picking up some more bullpen arms to build up the depth.

At least Alvarado's situation is settled, and we will see a full season from the big southpaw in 2026, hopefully.