Finally we have some news regarding the Philadelphia Phillies offseason. In a three-way trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays, the Phillies have acquired Jose Alvarado from the Rays. The Dodgers will get lefty Garret Cleavinger from the Phillies and the Rays will get infielder Dillon Paulson and a PTBNL from the Dodgers.

Alvarado will be joining a Phillies bullpen that was in absolute shambles last year. He has battled injuries and some family issues over the past two seasons but if 2018 is any indication of what Alvarado can provide the Phillies, then you can consider this a great first move by the now Dave Dombrowski led Phillies front office.

In 2018, Alvarado finished with a 2.39 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 80 strikeouts in 64 innings pitched. He also had 8 saves. When Jose Alvarado is healthy and focused, he’s dominant and throws hard. Given the inconsistencies with Hector Neris in the closer role for the Phillies, I wouldn’t be surprised if a healthy Alvarado finds himself in more than a few save situations this year.

This trade is certainly a step in the right direction for the Phillies, who have a ton of work to do before Spring Training kicks-off in February down in Clearwater.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY