The Kansas City Royals have made a notable move this offseason, reacquiring left-handed relief pitcher Matt Strahm from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for right-handed reliever Jonathan Bowlan. The trade reunites Strahm with the organization that originally drafted him and adds a proven bullpen arm to Kansas City’s roster ahead of the 2026 season. (mlb.com)
Full Trade Details
Royals receive:
- LHP Matt Strahm — Veteran left-handed reliever with ten years of MLB experience
Phillies receive:
- RHP Jonathan Bowlan — Right-handed reliever with 2025 major-league experience
The swap was officially announced by the Royals and confirmed by multiple sources, marking a relatively straightforward offseason deal between the two clubs. (mlb.com)
Who Is Matt Strahm?
Matt Strahm, 34, originally began his major league career with the Royals after the team selected him in the 21st round of the 2012 MLB Draft out of Neosho County Community College. He debuted in 2016 with Kansas City and spent his first two MLB seasons with the club before moving on to the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and most recently, the Philadelphia Phillies. (ESPN.com)
During his three seasons with the Phillies, Strahm emerged as one of the most reliable left-handed relievers in baseball. He was named an All-Star in 2024 after posting a 1.87 ERA over 66 appearances that season and followed with a 2.74 ERA in 66 games in 2025, striking out 70 batters in 62⅓ innings. Across his career, he has compiled a 3.36 ERA in 395 appearances. (ESPN.com)
Strahm is under contract for at least the 2026 season after his club option vested, and he is projected to earn around $7.5 million next year. (ESPN.com)
Jonathan Bowlan Heads to Philadelphia
In return, the Phillies receive right-hander Jonathan Bowlan. The 29-year-old appeared in 34 games for Kansas City in 2025, posting a 3.86 ERA and holding right-handed hitters to a .182 average. Bowlan also logged strong numbers in Triple-A, where he posted a 2.25 ERA in 36 innings of work. (Inquirer.com)
Bowlan provides Philadelphia with a controllable bullpen arm who can also contribute at the major league level, giving the club flexibility as it continues to shape its roster for the 2026 season. (Inquirer.com)
What This Trade Means for Kansas City
Bringing Strahm back to the Royals bolsters a bullpen that has been a focus for improvement. His experience, veteran presence, and track record against both lefties and righties give Kansas City a reliable option in high-leverage situations. (Royals Review)
Strahm’s return also adds depth and stability to the back end of the Royals’ relief corps, which will be closely watched as the team positions itself for a competitive run in the upcoming season. (Royals Review)
Phillies Create Roster Flexibility
For the Phillies, trading Strahm also brings payroll flexibility. With Strahm’s salary off the books, the club gains financial breathing room as it pursues other offseason needs, including bullpen construction and potential roster extensions. (Inquirer.com)
Jonathan Bowlan’s cost-controlled status further enhances Philadelphia’s ability to allocate resources across the pitching staff without sacrificing depth.
