Matt Strahm is headed back to where it all began. The Kansas City Royals are reacquiring the veteran left-handed reliever in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies, sending right-hander Jonathan Bowlan the other way, according to multiple reports.
For Royals fans, this is a full-circle moment. Strahm was originally drafted by Kansas City in the 21st round of the 2012 MLB Draft and made his big-league debut with the club in July 2016. Now, nearly a decade later, he returns as a seasoned bullpen arm with an All-Star nod and years of high-leverage experience under his belt.
Strahm’s journey since leaving Kansas City has been anything but ordinary. He became a key bullpen piece for the Boston Red Sox in 2022, putting together a solid campaign with a 3.83 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 52 strikeouts in just under 45 innings. He appeared in 50 games that season, showing the kind of consistency and durability teams covet in a late-inning arm.
But it was in Philadelphia where Strahm truly found another gear. After signing with the Phillies in December 2022, he emerged as one of the most reliable relievers in the National League.
His 2024 season was nothing short of elite - a 6-2 record, 1.87 ERA, and a sparkling 0.75 WHIP across 66 appearances. That performance earned him his first All-Star selection and firmly established him as a go-to option in the back end of the bullpen.
In 2025, Strahm continued to deliver. He notched a career-high six saves while posting a 2.74 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over another 66 outings. At 34, he’s not just hanging on - he’s thriving in a role that demands both precision and poise.
Now he brings that veteran presence and proven production back to a Royals team that’s looking to stabilize its bullpen and build around a mix of youth and experience. Strahm’s return isn’t just a sentimental reunion - it’s a strategic move for a club that could use a steady left-handed presence late in games.
As for Jonathan Bowlan, the 27-year-old heads to Philadelphia with a fresh opportunity. Once a promising prospect in the Royals’ system, Bowlan has shown flashes of potential and will now look to carve out a role with the Phillies, who have a track record of developing arms at the big-league level.
For Kansas City, this trade is about more than nostalgia. It’s about bringing in a reliever who’s proven he can handle the pressure, miss bats, and get outs in the biggest moments. And for Strahm, it’s a chance to write another chapter with the team that gave him his first shot.