As full team workouts for the Phillies have begun in Clearwater, Florida, the front office has wasted no time in locking up two important arms in the club’s bullpen. Over the first two days of being at Spring Training, the club announced contract extensions for Seranthony Domínguez and José Alvarado.
Seranthony Domínguez
Domínguez’s deal covers his final two years of arbitration (2023 and 2024). It also includes a club option for the 2025 season. Here are the details of his new contract:
The right-hander was one of Philadelphia’s most dependable relievers last year. After not pitching in the majors since 2019 due to elbow issues, Domínguez returned to the big leagues in 2022. He pitched 51.0 innings to the tune of a 3.00 ERA with 61 strikeouts. After struggling in the final month of the regular season (11.57 ERA in 8 appearances), he was on point during Philly’s postseason run. In 10.2 postseason innings, Domínguez posted a 1.69 ERA and struck out 18 batters.
José Alvarado
José Alvarado was set to become a free agent at the end of the year. His new contract covers 2024 and 2025 with an option for the 2026 season:
Alvarado got off to a rough start in 2022 which resulted in a demotion to Triple-A in late May. After returning to the majors a few weeks later, the left-handed reliever was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. Overall, he appeared in 59 regular season games, pitched 51.0 innings, and struck out 81 batters with a 3.18 ERA. At the start of the postseason, Alvarado continued his dominance but ran out of gas at the end. In 11.1 playoff innings, he had a 5.56 ERA.
What Now?
The Phillies’ front office clearly understands they are in the midst of a winning window. Extending their two best relievers from a year ago ensures stability in the back of the bullpen for the foreseeable future. Not only is the back of the bullpen locked up past this year, but most of the team’s projected Opening Day relievers are all under contract through at least 2024. Craig Kimbrel, who signed a 1-year, $10 million contract in December, is the only significant reliever not under contract after this season.
As for who is next up for an extension, both Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins are scheduled to become free agents after the upcoming campaign. It is being reported the organization has started negotiations on a new long-term contract with Nola. When it comes to Hoskins, there hasn’t been much speculation about him receiving a new deal from the Phillies right now.
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