Phillies extend José Alvarado: Why team committed 3 years to reliever

The Philadelphia Phillies extended a second reliever in as many days, signing José Alvarado to a three-year contract extension Friday, president of baseball operations David Dombrowski announced. Here’s what you need to know:

The new deal will take him through the 2025 season and includes a club option for 2026.
Alvarado was set to become a free agent after this season.
Philadelphia signed right-hander Seranthony Dominguez to a two-year extension on Thursday.

José José José José pic.twitter.com/oYVIdSINou

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 17, 2023

Backstory

Alvarado is entering his third season with Philadelphia and coming off a 2022 campaign in which he tied for a team-high 59 appearances. He posted a 3.18 ERA with a career-high 81 strikeouts in 51 innings last season.

Across his two seasons with the Phillies, the 27-year-old left-hander has accrued an 11-3 record with seven saves, a 3.71 ERA and 149 strikeouts in 123 appearances.

How Alvarado bounced back

It’s incredible to think how far Alvarado has come. He had a 7.62 ERA with erratic command by the end of May, prompting a demotion to Triple A. After being called back up a few weeks later, Alvarado was a different pitcher, becoming one of the most effective left-handed relievers in the league. He struck out 43 percent of the batters he faced from June 1 to the end of the season. He made mental adjustments that allowed him to relax and throw more strikes. He was reliable in the postseason until Game 6 of the World Series when Yordan Alvarez blasted a decisive, three-run homer. — Gelb

Philadelphia believes in him

By committing at least $18 million to buy out Alvarado’s first two free-agent years, the Phillies demonstrated they believe those adjustments Alvarado made were real. It’s a risk, no doubt, but when Alvarado is right, he is as good of a weapon as there is. Alvarado doesn’t turn 28 until May, so the Phillies are banking on some production during prime years.

The Phillies committed to another reliever, Seranthony Domínguez, earlier in the week and have now ensured their roster’s core is under contract for the next few seasons. — Gelb

Required reading

(Photo: Bill Streicher / USA Today)