Why did the Phillies trade Matt Strahm?

The Phillies traded Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals to save nearly $7 million in payroll and free up funds for other team needs.

Who did the Phillies get in the Matt Strahm trade?

The Phillies acquired 29-year-old right-handed pitcher Jonathan Bowlan from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Matt Strahm.

What was Matt Strahm's performance with the Phillies?

Matt Strahm had a 2.71 ERA over 188 appearances in three seasons with the Phillies, serving as a dependable left-handed set-up man.

Home / Sports / Phillies Trade Strahm, Saving $7M for Payroll

Phillies Trade Strahm, Saving $7M for Payroll

19 Dec

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Summary

Phillies traded reliever Matt Strahm to Kansas City Royals.
The deal saves the Phillies nearly $7 million in payroll.
Right-hander Jonathan Bowlan was acquired from the Royals.

Phillies Trade Strahm, Saving $7M for Payroll

The Philadelphia Phillies executed a trade on Friday, sending reliever Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals. This strategic move aims to alleviate financial pressure and allow the team to address other roster needs. The transaction is projected to save the Phillies close to $7 million, as Strahm was due $7.5 million in 2026 and the acquired right-hander, Jonathan Bowlan, is not yet arbitration-eligible and expected to earn near the major-league minimum.

Strahm, who spent three seasons with the Phillies, was a reliable left-handed set-up man, logging 188 appearances with a 2.71 ERA. His departure leaves José Alvarado and Tyler Banks as the primary left-handed bullpen options for the team. The trade occurred just one day after the Phillies signed free-agent reliever Brad Keller, potentially pushing them into a higher competitive balance tax tier.

In exchange for Strahm, the Phillies received Jonathan Bowlan, a 29-year-old right-handed pitcher. Bowlan, a second-round pick in 2018, offers particular value against right-handed hitters, having limited them to a .182 batting average in 2025. He is expected to bolster the Phillies' pitching depth as they navigate their bullpen strategy.