The Kansas City Royals just made a savvy bullpen move, acquiring left-handed reliever Matt Strahm from the Philadelphia Phillies. And while it may not have sent shockwaves through the league, it’s the kind of under-the-radar deal that contenders-or teams looking to become contenders-tend to make. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees once again find themselves on the outside looking in, watching a quality arm change hands for a price that feels more than manageable.
Let’s break this down: Strahm, a 2024 All-Star, has quietly been one of the most effective relievers in the game over the past three seasons. Since 2023, he’s posted a 2.71 ERA and a sparkling 0.96 WHIP across 188 appearances.
That’s not just solid-it’s elite. And it’s not like he’s a one-year wonder.
Strahm has reinvented himself in his 30s, showing improved command, poise in high-leverage spots, and the kind of consistency teams crave in October.
Now, he’s heading back to where it all began-Kansas City. The Royals didn’t have to give up a top-tier prospect to get him, either.
In return, the Phillies are receiving right-hander Jonathan Bowlan, a pitcher with some minor league success but limited major league experience. Bowlan’s 2025 numbers were respectable-3.86 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts in 44 1/3 innings-but this isn’t a blockbuster return.
This is the kind of trade where a team looking to win now sees a clear opportunity and acts decisively.
Which brings us to the Yankees.
This is the kind of move that feels tailor-made for New York. A veteran lefty with a proven track record, postseason experience, and familiarity with the AL East from his stint with the Red Sox in 2022.
He’s durable, effective, and under contract for one more year at $7.5 million-a reasonable number for a bullpen piece of his caliber. And yet, once again, the Yankees stood pat.
It’s become a familiar refrain in the Bronx. While other teams are adding complementary pieces to shore up their depth, the Yankees seem content to roll the dice on internal options-guys like Tim Hill or Brent Headrick.
There’s nothing wrong with giving young arms a shot, but there’s a difference between trusting your depth and ignoring opportunities to get better. This was the latter.
And it’s not just about missing out on Strahm. It’s about a pattern that’s become all too predictable.
The Yankees often make one big move early in the offseason-if that-and then go radio silent until the trade deadline. It’s a wait-and-see approach that rarely pays off, especially when the margins between winning and losing in October are razor-thin.
Strahm isn’t a game-changer on his own, but he’s the kind of piece that helps you win tough games in September-and potentially October. He’s a lefty who can neutralize top left-handed bats, pitch in multiple innings if needed, and handle the pressure of big moments.
That’s not something you gamble on developing midseason. That’s something you go out and get.
For the Royals, this is a smart move. For the Phillies, it’s a fair return for a player who may have had a preferred destination.
But for the Yankees? It’s another missed opportunity in an offseason that’s been eerily quiet.
No major additions, no bold moves-just more of the same.
And with the holidays around the corner, it’s hard to blame fans for checking out a bit. There’s still time for the Yankees to make noise, but the clock is ticking. Because while they wait, teams like the Royals are out here making moves that could pay dividends when it matters most.