Phillies predicted to part ways with $46 million nine-year MLB veteran reliever after extending Jesus Luzardo

The Philadelphia Phillies made a smart decision by extending Jesus Luzardo for five years, $135 million. Although, this could cost them bringing back some other players in the long run.

FanSided’s Christopher Kline believes that one of those players will be veteran reliever Jose Alvarado, as his contract ends this season. With the burden Luzardo puts on them, Philly might not be able to afford Alvarado’s market.

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“José Alvarado's 2025 campaign was cut short when he was suspended (and made ineligible for the postseason) for a positive PED test. Alvarado apologized and should reclaim a high-leverage spot in the bullpen this upcoming season, a contract year. Before the hammer dropped, the big lefty pitched 26 innings with a 3.81 ERA and 32 strikeouts for Philadelphia. There is always interest in quality relievers, so Alvarado should field a healthy market in free agency. Alvarado is especially valuable as a lefty with triple-digit heat, who more often than not strikes a healthy balance between swing-and-miss and playable ground-ball contact. The command issues pop up every now and then, and Alvarado has a tendency to get hit hard when he does serve up a middle-middle meatball. But he's undeniably talented, with years of success in high-leverage situations. Given Philly's other investments in the bullpen and the boatload of long-term money now tied up in the rotation, don't be shocked if Alvarado's price tag balloons out of Dombrowski's comfort zone,” Kline wrote. 

This past season, Alvarado posted a 4-2 record, a 3.81 ERA, 32 Ks, a WHIP of 1.308 and seven saves in 28 games before his suspension. He was a solid reliever for Philly, and came through in high stakes situations.

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The Phillies exercised Alvarado’s club option for 2026, where he’s set to make nine million dollars. However, after this season when he becomes a free agent, his market value projects him to receive a four-year, $46.2 million deal.

Overall, an increase of two million from his current salary shouldn’t make Philly cut ties with him. However, if a bidding war erupts, don’t expect the Phillies to be a suitor.

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