The Royals' bullpen just received a big boost.
The Kansas City Royals and Philadelphia Phillies made a trade on Friday morning, with KC acquiring left-handed reliever Matt Strahm in return for right-handed pitcher Jonathan Bowlan, the Royals announced.
The Royals continue to look for ways to improve. Kansas City is building around superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. KC recently signed All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia to a five-year contract extension. The team believes in its core of players, but adding depth will only help their situation.
What Matt Strahm Brings to Royals
Strahm, 34, returns to the team he began his big league career with as a result of the trade. He made his MLB debut in 2016 with the Royals, turning in a stellar 1.23 ERA across 21 games pitched. It seemed as if Kansas City had a star reliever in the making, but the southpaw took a step back in 2017 and pitched to a 5.45 ERA.
Strahm ended up pitching in San Diego with the Padres from 2018-2021 before spending one season with the Boston Red Sox in 2022. He has since pitched with the Philadelphia Phillies, spending 2023-2025 with the ball club. In 2024, Strahm made his first All-Star team and finished the season with a sparkling 1.87 ERA across 66 outings.
He was not as dominant in 2025, but the left-handed hurler still pitched well. He recorded a 2.74 ERA in 66 outings once again.
Matt Strahm is one of the best left-handed relievers in the sport. The Royals know all about building quality bullpens, as it was their relief core that led them to their 2015 World Series victory. Perhaps Kansas City is looking to follow that gameplan.
Royals' Bullpen Outlook
Kansas City's bullpen could still use another arm or two, but it has potential. Strahm will join Carlos Estevez, Lucas Erceg and John Schreiber among others. Daniel Lynch and Bailey Falter are the team's other left-hander relievers, so Strahm is projected to become the team's most trustworthy southpaw in the bullpen.
While there is still uncertainty overall on the roster, the Royals' bullpen is set to make a pivotal impact throughout the upcoming 2026 campaign. The acquisition of Matt Strahm may not be the most discussed move in the sport, but it is a trade that will certainly help Kansas City amid the team's pursuit of becoming a true contending ball club once again.
However, the Royals are likely not done making moves this offseason.