“Give Him What He Wants”: Philadelphia Phillies Please Fans by Tying Down a Top Reliever to an Arbitration-Avoiding Deal

The Philadelphia Phillies had a very good 2022 season overall. They sneaked into the postseason with 87 wins and a third-place finish in the NL East. Then came the postseason and they quietly had one of the best runs in the playoffs, advancing all the way to the World Series. But they stumbled at the final hurdle, succumbing to the invulnerable army that was the Houston Astros. 

This off-season, the Phillies have gone about their business bringing in the players that they need. They signed Trea Turner in what was a massive deal and added other smaller pieces. Most recently they got a deal done for a pitcher who was fantastic in the second half of 2022.

Jose Alvarado avoids arbitration with the Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies had a fantastic run in 2022 thanks to a number of factors. Relief Pitcher Jose Alvarado was one of those factors in the second half of the season. He started off slow but kicked off as the season progressed. In the second half of 2022, he was considered one of MLB’s best relievers. The Phillies recently shared that they have agreed to a one-year deal with Alvarado, thereby avoiding arbitration. 

In a Tweet, the Phillies said, “The Phillies have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with LHP Jose Alvarado, avoiding arbitration.” This bodes well for the team as they look to make a run for the World Series in the 2023 season. 

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Fans have reacted to the deal and seem extremely excited. Some fans stated that Alvarado has earned it. Others want the Phillies to tie him down to a long-term deal as soon as possible. 

The Philadelphia-based team is looking to seriously compete and bring a World Series title home. They signed Trea Turner to a huge $300 million deal and have made the right moves. Furthermore, it will be interesting to see whether they offer Alvarado a long-term deal down the road. But most signs point to it happening. 

Jose Alvarado will be a free agent in 2024

Many expected the Phillies to offer Alvarado a long-term deal after the fantastic second half of his 2022 season. According to Sports Illustrated’s FanNation, “Over the final months of the 2022 season, José Alvarado broke out as one of the best relievers in baseball.” Furthermore, the market for pitchers is growing. 

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The Phillies are likely to offer him a long-term deal after this season. But if they don’t, Alvarado will have many other suitors. It will be interesting to see how the star reliever’s 2023 season turns out. What do you think of the Phillies’ one-year deal with Jose Alvarado? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.