CONTROVERSIAL: Jose Alvarado's $9 MIL Return After PED Suspension DIVIDES Philadelphia Phillies Fans

The Philadelphia Phillies pick up Jose Alvarado's $9 million team option despite his PED suspension that sidelined him during the playoff run. Can the hard-throwing lefty rebuild trust with the fanbase and clubhouse? Connor Thomas breaks down the controversial decision to bring back Alvarado, presenting both the emotional fan perspective and the front office logic behind keeping a bridge to closer Jhoan Duran. The discussion shifts to a comprehensive 2026 free agency wish list, including why Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto must return, the case for signing Gold Glove second baseman Brendan Rodgers as a buy-low candidate, and a complete outfield restructuring featuring Justin Crawford, Harrison Bader, and potential addition Miguel Andujar. Analysis also covers the minor league signing of Bryan De La Cruz and his realistic role as a depth piece rather than starter. Will Alvarado's elevated expectations match his performance? Can bargain deals like Rodgers provide the right-handed balance this left-heavy lineup desperately needs? 0:00 Intro 0:31 Jose Alvarado's team option picked up 2:33 Should Phillies forgive the PED suspension? 5:38 Emotional vs logical response to Alvarado 8:40 Alvarado must earn back fan trust 10:42 Building the 2026 Phillies roster 13:51 Re-signing JT Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber 16:55 Brendan Rodgers as second base solution 20:29 Outfield plans: Crawford, Bader, and Andujar 22:01 Chris Bassitt as rotation depth option 23:33 Bryan De La Cruz minor league signing 26:38 De La Cruz's potential impact and role 29:42 Tomorrow's episode preview and wrap-up Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup . PrizePicks — Run Your Game. Click Link Here : https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.