Philadelphia Phillies back-end reliever José Alvarado has been shut down for the remainder of the season with a left forearm strain. Alvarado was placed on the 15-day IL on Friday, Sept. 12.
Though the injury is mild and would probably see him healthy enough to return for the playoffs, Alvarado is ineligible for the postseason due to his 80-game suspension that was served this season for performance enhancing drugs.
Now, the focus shifts to what the Phillies want to do with Alvarado and his contract in the offseason. The 30-year-old is currently in the final year of a three-year contract, though the Phillies have a club option for year four, meaning it’s up to the front office to decide if they want to keep Alvarado.
Alvarado’s tenure in Philly has been rocky, but the high’s have been very high. When Alvarado is at the top of his game, there are very few relievers in the MLB most would take over him. It’s kind of the nature of relievers in today’s day and age – look at Aroldis Chapman having the best season of his career this year after a tumultuous journey.
The club option for year four is worth $9 million. He was paid $3.4 million, $5.1 million and $4.7 million for his first three seasons on the contract. Philadelphia has a $500,000 buyout clause if they decide to move on from Alvarado.
Is $9 Million Worth It For Philadelphia?
The Phillies decision with Alvarado depends a lot on what they decide to do with Jhoan Duran, who they acquired to be their closer from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline.
Duran has been as advertised with Philadelphia, posting a 1.23 ERA while making 13 of 14 save opportunities. He’s struck out 20 batters and is yet to allow a walk as a Phillie.
Duran is under contract until 2027 in arbitration before he becomes a UFA. If the Phillies like what they see and decide to extend him before he hits the open market, Alvarado could be the odd man out if they are looking to save money.
His option is probably worth it though, seeing as his market value according to spotrac is well over $10 million per season, so $9 million would be a reasonable price to pay for a full season of he and Duran at the back of the bullpen.
Alvarado’s current market value is four years with a contract ranging anywhere between $11.6 million to $16.1 million in average annual value.
Buehler Shines In Philadelphia Debut
Alvarado’s IL designation allowed room for the Phillies to call up Walker Buehler, who they claimed off waivers after he was DFA’d by the Boston Red Sox. Buehler made one appearance for AAA Lehigh Valley before getting called up, and was great for the Phillies on Friday night.
He pitched five innings against the Royals, allowing one run on five hits while striking out three and walking one batter en route to earning his eighth win of the season.
As he’s done with the Dodgers in his career, Buehler could be a great addition to the bullpen in the postseason for Philadelphia.
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