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Venezuelan reliever Jose Alvarado has taken his game to the next level since joining the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020. Now, it appears as though the 6-foot-2 left-hander has been rewarded with a big deal.
Joel Sherman is a baseball writer for the New York Post. On February 17th, 2023, Sherman reported that Alvardo is approaching the largest deal of his career to date.
His new contract with the Phillies is reported to be worth some $18.55 million over the next two seasons. The amount will be paid out in installments of $9 million over the next two seasons and reportedly includes a signing bonus of $50,000. Sherman has also reported that the deal includes a club option for another $9 million in 2025 or a $500,000 buyout.
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Alvarado was born in the town of Maracaibo, Venezuela. Maracaibo is a city of about 2.6 million inhabitants in the northwest of the country. The area is known for its strong baseball tradition, having produced many MLB stars as well as hosting one of the nation's most well-known team Aguilas del Zulia.
Jose Alvarado entered the league in 2017 after signing as an international free agent with the Tampa Bay Rays. In his four seasons pitching out of the bullpen, he compiled a 15-2 record and an ERA of about 4.10.
Things changed, however, when Alvardo was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020. In his first season with the Phillies, he amassed a record of 7-1 in 64 outings for the team. He agreed to a $1.9 million deal with the Phillies ahead of the 2022 season to avoid arbitration.
"José Alvarado with the cleanest strikeout strut on that last pitch. Filthy." - @ Barstool Philly
The new contract signals a nod of approval towards Jose Alvarado
The Philadelphia Phillies are playing a long game. Although Jose Alvarado has not yet had a true breakout season, the team obviously believes it is still possible. Even though they went down in last year's World Series against the Houston Astros, the Phillies are sure to invest in players like Alvardo, especially pitchers, who have their best days ahead of them.
