José Antonio Alvarado is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. In March 2012, Alvarado signed as an international free agent with the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2017, Alvarado debuted in the big leagues.
Alvarado was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on May 21, 1995.
Maracaibo was notorious for its high crime rates throughout Alvarado’s childhood, including kidnappings and assaults, so he tried to keep out of trouble while gaining a sense of fearlessness.
Alvarado dropped out of school when he was 14 to help support his family by working on the farm.
He favored soccer over baseball but was converted to the latter after his physical education teacher told him that as a left-handed pitcher, he had a bright future.
When Alvarado pitched at a showcase for Major League Baseball (MLB) scouts, the Tampa Bay Rays were impressed, and he was invited to pitch at the Rays’ Venezuelan academy.
He was signed by the Rays in 2012 as part of the team’s continued effort to recruit overseas baseball talent.
He debuted in professional baseball as a 17-year-old in the Venezuelan Summer League in 2012. (VSL).
Alvarado had a 2-3 record with a 3.81 earned run average (ERA) and 20 strikeouts in 12 games and 26 innings thrown.
He returned to the VSL the following season, going 1-8 with a 1.97 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 13 starts and 45+23 innings.
How Much Does José Alvarado Make?
José Alvarado makes an annual average salary of $1,900,000