Overview
- The one-for-one deal sent lefty Matt Strahm to Kansas City and brought right-hander Jonathan Bowlan to Philadelphia on Friday.
- Dave Dombrowski said Strahm was a year from free agency and highlighted acquiring a reliever with six years of club control.
- Reporting from The Athletic, echoed by multiple outlets, described friction over bullpen usage and clubhouse management as a factor.
- Strahm’s 2026 salary is $7.5 million after his option vested, and multiple reports suggest the move creates room for priorities such as re-signing J.T. Realmuto.
- Despite Strahm’s strong 2023–25 run (2.71 ERA, high strikeout rate), the Phillies cite left-handed depth with Jose Alvarado and Tanner Banks and recent bullpen additions on the right side.