Kansas City trades for Matt Strahm, who pitched for Neosho County
The Kansas City Royals have answered their bullpen needs with a familiar face.
On Friday, the Royals acquired left-handed relief pitcher Matt Strahm from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for right-handed reliever Jonathan Bowlan.
Strahm, 34, is no stranger to Kansas City. He began his career with the Royals as a 21st-round selection in the 2012 MLB Draft. He spent two seasons with the club before stints with the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox and Phillies.
“We know Matt very well as person, as player and what type of competitor that he is,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “When you are talking about a bullpen and pitching in high-leverage situations, there’s not many left-handers that have done it better than Matt the last couple of years.”
Strahm returns as a veteran reliever. He posted a 2.74 ERA in 66 appearances for the Phillies last season. Opponents hit .208 against him as he generated 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings.
The Royals were searching for a left-handed relief specialist and Strahm fits the mold for the upcoming 2026 season. He has limited lefty batters to a career .239 average and .678 OPS (on-base plus slugging).
Strahm posted his best season in 2024. He became an All-Star after recording a 1.87 ERA in 62 2/3 innings.
“I was telling J.J. before we started this that it all kind of feels like a movie to me,” Strahm said. “It all started here in Kansas City and it’s gone full circle.”
He will likely assume lefty Angel Zerpa’s role in the Royals’ bullpen. Earlier this week, KC traded Zerpa to the Milwaukee Brewers in a three-player deal.
“This is exactly what our bullpen needed right now,” Picollo said. “And, Matt’s going to fill in more than admirably in that role. I know our staff is excited about it, our players are excited about it and just happy that he is back.”
The Royals again have two lefthanders in their bullpen — Daniel Lynch IV and Strahm, who will also be used against right-handed batters, as he can attack both sides of the plate.
Strahm is the latest relief addition this offseason. He joins Nick Mears — acquired in the Zerpa deal — and Alex Lange as new faces in the bullpen. They will pair with 2025 All-Star Carlos Estévez, Lucas Erceg, John Schreiber and Lynch IV among others.
Bowlan now departs the Royals after three seasons. He began his career as a starter but found a role in the bullpen. The Royals relied on him throughout the 2025 season as he showed promise in high-leverage situations.
“The development of those players and any that come is really important to not only our team but what we can add to our team,” Picollo said. “They add value in trade. So you never have enough talent. How you use it is different from one guy to the next.”
KC sits with a full 40-man roster at the moment. The club has addressed their outfield needs — with the additions of Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas — while also solidifying their bullpen this offseason.
It’s possible that additional moves could be made. Regardless, the Royals feel confident with their current mix as they look to make a return to the postseason in 2026.
“I’ve seen the young talent and competed against it the last three years,” Strahm said. “So I know they are in a good spot to compete.
“I know last year was kind of a disappointment after not making the playoffs. So when I think you combine a clubhouse of young talent with veterans who work and are there to work and win, I think with a little bit of hunger, that can be a dangerous recipe for teams.”
