Many feared deep into the 2024-25 offseason that the Philadelphia Phillies would not be on the hunt for big names to fill in necessary positions heading into the new season. And with the New York Mets adding Juan Soto and the Atlanta Braves signing a promising Bryan De La Cruz, picking up Jordan Romano from across the Canadian border was not nearly going to be enough. But after picking up free agent Max Kepler and Jesús Luzardo from our friends in Miami, the offseason was not a complete loss for the Phillies front office.

But what about the players willing to run it back in the red pinstripes for the 2025 campaign at The Bank? Even third baseman Alec Bohm has not been traded yet after extensive rumors and scoops from throughout the league. A lot of the bullpen will return around newcomers Romano and Joe Ross. From Matt Strahm to Orion Kerkering to José Ruiz (but not Jeff Hoffman), fans will be familiar with the relief coming out of the bullpen.

For José Alvarado, heading into his ninth year as a reliever and fifth as a Phillie, last year was a huge step away from his shining 2023 campaign. Just starting with his ERA, a distant discrepancy from 1.74 to 4.09, more than double the number. His fWAR was cut in more than half as well, from 1.3 to 0.6 last season. His save percentage went from just under 25 percent to just under 20 percent. His K/9 went from 13.94 to 9.19. It’s clear to see the digression after a season for El Pocho.

The postseason for Alvarado, while short for the whole team, may be the most disparaging of numbers. Alvarado entered Game 3 of the NLDS against the Mets in the seventh inning, with the Phillies down 4-0. The reliever came in against Jose Iglesias and allowed a two-run single to increase the deficit to 6-0. Alvarado left the game that same inning, leaving his ERA at an astounding 27.00.

Lots of Phillies fans can recall prior to this season how Alvarado was feared across the majors. His entrance at Citizens Bank Park, the lights flashing, his walkout song playing; it was guaranteed to hype the entire crowd up and give faith the game was going to be over shortly.

Alvarado is known for his high-intensity pitches, from his scorching fastball and sinker and even his cutter. He is also known for his less-than-desirable control of those pitches, which can pose a risk, as we saw last season. So much so that trade deadline acquisition Carlos Estévez had to step into the closer role, kamehameha and all.

But the sentiment throughout the franchise has not changed. A World Series is within reach, and everyone has to do their job for that to become a reality, including the bullpen and including players like Alvarado. Sure, he self-proclaimed himself to be a little chubby, but he’s in shape now and hopefully destined to bring his magic on the mound back this season.