Phillies agree to terms with José Alvarado, avoiding arbitration

The Phillies and left-handed reliever José Alvarado have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, the team announced. The two sides will avoid an arbitration hearing.

Daniel Álvarez-Montes of El Extrabase reports that Alvarado and the Phillies settled at $3.45 million.

The Phillies and Alvarado ended up meeting in the middle. At the arbitration exchange deadline, the Phillies filed at $3.2 million while Alvarado was at $3.7 million, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

Alvarado is in his final season of arbitration eligibility and is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the 2023 season.

Thanks to a new pitch mix and some newfound confidence, Alvarado transformed into one of the best relievers in baseball in 2022. He pitched to a 1.22 ERA from June 16 to the end of the regular season.

With 2023 being Alvarado’s walk year, it will be interesting to see if the two sides engage in serious extension talks this spring. The Phillies have two other big pending free agents in Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins.

Speaking of extension candidates, the Phillies have not yet agreed to terms with Seranthony Domínguez, the club’s only remaining arbitration case. Some arbitration hearings around the league have already taken place and run through February 17, according to the Associated Press.

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