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Meet the 2025 Philadelphia Phillies: LHP José Alvarado

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The 2025 MLB season is almost upon us, and so is a crucial year for the Philadelphia Phillies. Fresh off an NL East title, but a subsequent loss in the NLDS, the Fightins are once again hunting for Red October and an elusive third World Series championship.

Over the next few days, we'll take you through each player with a chance at making the Phils' active roster and discuss expectations for all of them. Next up is the fastest arm in the Philly bullpen...

Name: José Alvarado

Number: 46

Position: Pitcher

Throws: Left

Build: 6'2", 245 lbs.

Age: 29

Acquired: 2020-21 offseason in trade with Tampa Bay Rays

Socials: Instagram

2024 Stats: 2-5, 4.09 ERA with 63 Ks, 28 BBs, and a .302 opponent OBP across 66 relief appearances (61.2 IP); converted 13 of 16 save opportunities. Also gave up two runs in two-thirds of an inning in the NLDS.

2025 Projections: Outside of a disastrous month of July, Alvarado was one of the best pieces in the Phillies' bullpen last season. It's unknown at this time if manager Rob Thomson will turn back to a 'closer by committee' approach, but José should be a common sight in the late innings of tight games regardless. His blistering fastball often reaches triple digits, and it's even deadlier when paired with his slider. Lefties could barely touch him last year, hitting a pitiful .127 against the Venezuelan flamethrower.

It's an important season personally for the soon-to-be 30-year-old Alvarado, who has a $9 million club option for 2026 but could otherwise become a free agent. A best-case scenario would see him return to the dominance of his 2023 campaign, where he had a team-low 1.74 ERA. But as long as he can keep command of his pitches on most nights, José will be a key piece to the Phillies' success this year.

Highlights From Last Season: