Overview
- Strahm said on Foul Territory that he is unaware of any player he ever "butted a head with" in Philadelphia and emphasized his focus on being a good teammate.
- He acknowledged his blunt, business-first approach, saying he "calls a spade a spade," and noted such outspokenness is not always popular.
- The left-hander praised the Royals for structure and discipline, citing routines he values and contrasting them with experiences since he first left Kansas City.
- Philadelphia dealt Strahm to the Royals on Dec. 19 for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan after signing Brad Keller, a sequence that rebalanced bullpen handedness and removed a reported $7.5 million 2026 salary.
- Reporting from The Athletic and PHLY described friction with coaches and team officials as a factor, while Phillies executive Dave Dombrowski said the club would have been comfortable keeping Strahm despite ultimately making the move.