Phillies could void $9 million deal due to letting team down

The Philadelphia Phillies got a huge blow earlier in the year when it was reported that Jose Alvarado would miss 80 games and be out for the 2025 postseason due to failing a drug test. 

Alvarado tested positive for PEDs, returning to the mound for the Phillies later in the campaign.

Unfortunately, as the Phillies could’ve used him in the backend of the season, he's now dealing with an injury and will be out for the rest of the year. 

Will Phillies want to keep Jose Alvarado?

As the Phillies look to figure things out over the next few months, considering they have an opportunity to keep him off the roster next year if they don't want to pick up his club option, Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote that it might be a better decision to allow him to walk. 

"Alvarado has a $9 million club option for 2026, but considering how much he let them down this season, it would make the most sense to buy out his $500,000 option and say good-bye," Nightengale wrote.

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A $500,000 decision instead of a $9 million decision for the Phillies would be a better decision, but it's also fair to wonder if Philadelphia would rather have him on its roster. When Alvarado is healthy and not suspended, he's one of the better relievers in the bullpen.

Ultimately, however, as Nightengale touched on, it's fair to suggest that he let the team down in a big way throughout the year. 

Alvarado was expected to be one of the top relievers in the bullpen, but was unavailable for his team due to his off-the-field actions.