BREAKING: Royals & Phillies Complete Trade

December 19, 2025 ,

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm walks off the mound during 2025 game.

The Kansas City Royals are bringing a familiar arm back into the fold. 

The club has acquired left handed reliever Matt Strahm from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Jonathan Bowlan.

Matt Strahm returns to Kansas City in bullpen upgrade

Strahm’s return is a full circle moment. The Royals drafted him, developed him, and now welcome him back nearly a decade later as a much more polished pitcher. 

Since leaving Kansas City, Strahm has turned himself into one of the more reliable relievers in baseball, posting strong strikeout numbers and thriving in high leverage roles with Philadelphia. He immediately slides into a key setup role and gives the Royals another dependable option late in games.

Last season, the 34-year-old posted a 2.74 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, with 70 strikeouts across 62.1 innings and 66 appearances. He also finished 19 games. 

Over his three seasons in Philadelphia, Strahm recorded a 2.71 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 257 strikeouts across 212.2 innings and 188 appearances. He was an All-Star in the 2024 season.

Phillies flip Matt Strahm for long term pitching depth

With Strahm set to hit free agency after the 2026 season and the bullpen already reinforced, Philadelphia chose to cash in now. In return, they receive Jonathan Bowlan, a controllable right hander who adds depth and flexibility to their pitching staff for years to come. 

It is not a flashy return, but it fits how the Phillies have managed their roster around the margins.

 In his first full MLB season of work last year, Bowlan recorded a solid 3.86 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, with 46 strikeouts over 44.1 innings and 34 appearances. He started one game and finished seven.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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