The Philadelphia Phillies have enjoyed a fairly productive start to the offseason, as they look to find a way to get over the hump in the National League after coming up short in the postseason once again in 2025. On Friday morning, that led the team to pull off a surprising trade with the Kansas City Royals that involved a pair of talented relief pitchers.
So far, the Phillies’ biggest offseason moves have seen them address their lineup, as they re-signed superstar slugger Kyle Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million contract before shoring up their outfield with the addition of Adolis Garcia on a one-year, $10 million deal. Philadelphia has now opted to take to the trade market, though, as it shook up its bullpen with its latest move.
Phillies Trade Matt Strahm to Royals
Despite fielding one of the most talented rosters in the majors over the past couple of years, the Phillies have not been able to find a way to win a championship. Expectations are understandably high in Philadelphia, and the front office has made it clear it intends to make some big changes in an effort to lead the team to the promised land.
One of the more unheralded contributors for the Phillies over the past couple of seasons has been left-handed relief pitcher Matt Strahm. Since latching on with Philadelphia in 2023, Strahm has turned himself into one of the most dominant lefty relievers in the game, and he even earned an All-Star selection in 2024, when he posted a 6-2 record with a 1.87 ERA, three saves, and 79 strikeouts.
Strahm seemed set to be a key piece of Philly’s bullpen again in 2026, but the team has other plans. On Friday, it was reported that Strahm had been traded to Kansas City in a surprising move. In exchange for the former All-Star, the Phillies are acquiring another relief pitcher, Jonathan Bowlan, to come in and help replace Strahm.
“The Royals are acquiring Matt Strahm from the Phillies for RHP Jonathan Bowlan, per source,” Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported in a post on X.
Phillies Continue to Revamp Roster Ahead of 2026 Campaign
GettyThe Phillies have traded left-handed relief pitcher Matt Strahm to the Royals
On the surface, this is a bit of a confusing move for the Phillies. Bowlan enjoyed a solid season in 2025 (1-2, 3.86 ERA, 46 K), but he’s not nearly as accomplished as Strahm. Maybe Philadelphia is simply attempting to move on from Strahm while his value is still high, but it’s tough to confidently say that they got enough in exchange for him, considering his billing as one of the top left-handed relief pitchers in the league.
Regardless of the motive for this deal, it’s clear the Phillies are doing whatever they can to make sure their roster is in the best possible shape heading into the upcoming season. So while the team has already been fairly busy early on in the offseason, it feels like they may only just be getting started when it comes to their work ahead of the 2026 campaign.
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