Royals Bring Back a Familiar Face: Matt Strahm Returns to Kansas City in Bullpen-Boosting Move
The Kansas City Royals are clearly not sitting still this offseason. On Friday morning, they made another notable move, bringing back a familiar arm to strengthen their bullpen. Left-handed reliever Matt Strahm is headed back to where it all began, as the Royals acquired him from the Philadelphia Phillies in a one-for-one deal that sends right-hander Jonathan Bowlan to Philly.
This move addresses a clear need in Kansas City’s bullpen - a reliable left-handed presence - especially after the Royals shipped Angel Zerpa to Milwaukee earlier in the offseason. In Strahm, they’re not just getting a lefty; they’re getting a battle-tested veteran who’s pitched on some of the game’s biggest stages.
A Full-Circle Moment for Strahm
Strahm’s journey has come full circle. Drafted by the Royals in the 12th round back in 2012, he climbed through the farm system and made his MLB debut in 2016. But after the 2017 season, he was traded to the San Diego Padres, kicking off a stretch that saw him suit up for San Diego, Boston, and most recently, Philadelphia.
Now 34, Strahm returns to Kansas City with a résumé that includes an All-Star nod in 2024 and a reputation as one of the more dependable left-handed relievers in the game. He brings with him a decade of experience and the kind of poise that only comes from pitching in playoff series and high-leverage spots.
General Manager J.J. Picollo made it clear this wasn’t just a nostalgic reunion - it was a strategic addition.
“We know Matt very well as a person, as a player, what type of competitor he is,” Picollo said. “When you’re talking about a bullpen and pitching in high-leverage situations, there’s not very many left-handers that have done it better than Matt for the last couple of years.”
That’s not hyperbole. In 2025, Strahm was one of the Phillies’ most reliable arms out of the bullpen, working 62.1 innings with a 2.74 ERA, 70 strikeouts, and just 20 walks. He also notched six saves, primarily serving as a setup man - a role he could easily reprise in Kansas City alongside right-handers Lucas Erceg and Carlos Estevez.
A Bullpen in Transition
The Royals’ bullpen has been a work in progress, and this trade signals a continued effort to reshape it into a more balanced and effective unit. Strahm’s return gives manager Matt Quatraro a trusted lefty who can get big outs late in games - something KC lacked after Zerpa’s departure.
Strahm also brings familiarity with Estevez, having worked with him during their time together in Philadelphia. That kind of chemistry can go a long way in a bullpen, where roles are fluid and trust is everything.
What the Royals Gave Up
In exchange, Kansas City parts with Jonathan Bowlan, a 29-year-old righty who’s had limited opportunities at the big-league level. Over three seasons with the Royals, Bowlan posted a 4.32 ERA in 50 innings with 52 strikeouts. While he showed flashes, he never quite carved out a consistent role in KC’s bullpen.
This trade gives Bowlan a fresh start in Philadelphia, where the Phillies may look to tap into his potential in a different environment.
Strahm’s Perspective
Speaking on a Zoom call Friday, Strahm sounded genuinely energized by the move.
“I know what they represent and what they’re building,” he said of the Royals. “I’ve seen the young talent, competed against it the last three years, and they’re in a good spot to compete.”
That’s a telling comment from a veteran who’s seen what winning looks like. Strahm’s not just coming back to KC for a homecoming - he sees a club that’s turning the corner, and he wants to be part of it.
Looking Ahead
With Strahm now in the fold, the Royals’ bullpen is starting to take shape. Pairing him with Estevez and Erceg gives Kansas City a trio of experienced arms to close out games, and perhaps more importantly, gives the team a left-right balance that every contending bullpen needs.
The Royals have been active this winter, and this move continues a clear trend: they’re not just building for the future - they believe they can compete now. Strahm’s return is more than a feel-good story; it’s a savvy addition to a team looking to make noise in 2026.