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

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