The Philadelphia Phillies are listening to trade offers for Matt Strahm, one of baseball’s most effective left-handed relievers over the past few seasons, as they look for ways to create payroll flexibility this winter.
Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports that league sources say the Phillies have entertained potential trade proposals for Strahm, who’s owed $7.5 million in 2026. While that’s not a massive number, it’s meaningful money if they can pair it with other savings to redeploy elsewhere on the roster.
What makes this different is the uncertainty around Philadelphia’s payroll plans. It sounds like budget concerns might be driving some decisions this winter.
“Bohm and Strahm would be the two realistic trade candidates most likely to fetch the Phillies something useful in return, while providing financial relief,” Gelb wrote.
Strahm has been a cornerstone of the Phillies’ bullpen the past few years, even closing games at times when needed. His consistency from the left side has been valuable.
In 2024, he was as good as any lefty in baseball. Posted a 1.87 ERA while striking out 79 hitters in 62.2 innings. That’s elite production.
He wasn’t quite as dominant in 2025 but still turned in solid work – a 2.95 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 62.1 innings. Those are numbers plenty of teams would want in their bullpen.
If Philadelphia does move Strahm, he’d be one of the better relievers available on the trade market this winter. The question is whether they’re willing to trade proven reliability for financial flexibility and whatever prospect return they can get.
From where I’m sitting, it seems like the Phillies are testing the waters to see what’s out there. They’re not necessarily looking to dump salary, but if the right deal comes along that helps them reallocate resources, they’ll listen.
