Matt Strahm exits Philadelphia as Phillies send reliever to Royals in Jonathan Bowlan deal: Report

Matt Strahm is on the move. On Friday, December 13, 2025, the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to trade left-handed reliever Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals, according to ESPN and MLB Network reports. In return, the Phillies will receive right-handed pitcher Jonathan Bowlan. The deal was reported from Philadelphia and Kansas City and became public late Friday afternoon.

The trade reshapes both bullpens in different ways. Philadelphia clears salary and adds a flexible arm for depth. Kansas City adds an experienced left-hander as it pushes closer to contention in the American League.

Matt Strahm gives Kansas City Royals a trusted bullpen arm as Jonathan Bowlan heads to Philadelphia Phillies

Matt Strahm, 34, spent three seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies after joining the team before the 2023 season. He was never the closer, but he became one of the most trusted arms in the bullpen.

Matt Strahm often pitched in tight spots, covered tough innings, and worked on short rest when the team needed help. During the 2025 season in Philadelphia, Matt Strahm appeared in 66 games.

He posted a 2.74 ERA with 70 strikeouts across 62.1 innings, according to ESPN and Statcast data. His workload triggered a contract clause that guaranteed his $7.5 million salary for the 2026 season.

One Phillies source told MLB Network, “Matt Strahm gave us stability. This move is about timing and roster balance, not performance.” For Kansas City, the timing works.

The Royals are looking to steady their bullpen with a veteran who has playoff experience and knows how to handle pressure.



Jonathan Bowlan, 29, now heads to Philadelphia with a different role in mind. He was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft and has spent most of his career in the upper minor leagues.

Jonathan Bowlan made his major league debut late in the 2023 season. In 2024, Jonathan Bowlan pitched 44 1/3 innings in the majors, finishing with a 3.86 ERA, 46 strikeouts, and a 1.22 WHIP.

He also logged time with Triple-A Omaha, where he worked mainly as a starter. The Phillies see him as a flexible arm who can start, work long relief, or provide depth during injuries.

A Phillies official said, “Jonathan Bowlan gives us options. He can cover innings in more than one way.” Philadelphia has often targeted pitchers like him, especially behind a rotation that needs protection over a long season.

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