Jose Alvarado’s suspension might spark surprise Reds-Phillies trade

The Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen took a major hit over the weekend with news of Jose Alvarado's suspension. The left-hander will miss 80 games after testing positive for PEDs. His absence will leave a gaping hole in the backend of the Phillies' bullpen, and it could trigger a surprise trade involving a Cincinnati Reds reliever who's fallen out of favor in recent weeks.

Alexis Diaz's days of closing out games in Cincinnati are over. Not only has the right-hander failed to impress new manager Terry Francona, but Emilio Pagán has clearly emerged as the Reds' go-to option in the ninth inning.

After a horrific start to the 2025 season, the Reds optioned Diaz to Triple-A Louisville. Since his arrival in the Derby City, Diaz has six strikeouts and four walks in 4 ⅔ innings pitched. He owns a fine 1.93 ERA, but a rather unattractive 4.20 FIP. Philadelphia, however, could be desperate to make a deal, and Cincinnati might be the Phillies' perfect trade partner.

Jose Alvarado’s suspension might spark surprise Reds-Phillies trade involving Alexis Diaz

The Phillies' current options to replace Alvarado would be one of Jordan Romano or Orion Kerkering — neither of which are overly appealing. Diaz, however, has experience in the ninth inning and was selected to the NL All-Star team just two years ago. While his showing this season (and in 2024) has undoubtedly lessened Diaz's trade value, leaving him in Triple-A isn't going to help matters.

Furthermore, Diaz has not only lost his job as the Reds' closer, but Francona clearly has the seventh and eighth innings mapped out as well. Graham Ashcraft and Tony Santillan are two of Francona's most trusted high-leverage arms, and Luis Mey is evolving into a weapon as well. Throw in up-and-coming flamethrower Zach Maxwell, and Diaz's best value to the Reds may come on the trade market.

Diaz has endured quite the fall from grace, but such is the life of a relief pitcher. Cincinnati's bullpen has emerged as one of the best in baseball, and while it's quite the luxury to have a former All-Star as depth in the minor leagues, Diaz is far from that same player that recorded 37 saves in 2023.

If the Phillies come calling — and they might — Reds' President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall should pick up the phone. Philadelphia has their sights set on a return to the postseason, and can ill-afford to have a void in the backend of their bullpen.

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