Overview
- The trade is official: Kansas City acquires left-hander Matt Strahm, while Philadelphia receives right-hander Jonathan Bowlan in a one-for-one swap.
- Strahm, an All-Star in 2024 with a 2.74 ERA in 2025, was set to earn $7.5 million in 2026, a figure the Phillies shed to create short-term payroll flexibility.
- Bowlan, 29, posted a 3.86 ERA over 34 games last season and is under team control for multiple seasons, offering Philadelphia a lower-cost, longer-term bullpen arm.
- President Dave Dombrowski said the club did not need three lefty relievers and valued Bowlan’s control, and reporting indicates the savings will help cover Brad Keller’s newly signed two-year, $22 million deal.
- After the deal, the Phillies added lefty Kyle Backhus from Arizona, with external reporting also noting prior friction between Strahm and team personnel, as the club continues searching for catching help and pitching depth.