The Philadelphia Phillies traded away Matt Strahm, a beloved lefty reliever, to the Kansas City Royals for righty Jonathan Bowlan. While there is some intrigue with Bowlan, losing Strahm is a huge loss for the Phillies.
One of the main reasons why this trade could be accepted by the greater Phillies fanbase was the allure of spending the $7.5 million that was once on Strahm's deal on a new addition this winter.
But, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, this trade won't lead to what Phillies fans are hoping for. Instead, Gelb's report on the team's plan with this $7.5 million is likely to frustrate the Phillies fanbase.
Phillies make frustrating decision after Matt Strahm trade
"The money saved by flipping Strahm, set to make $7.5 million in 2026," Gelb reports, "will go toward Keller's annual $11 million salary."
Brad Keller signed a two-year, $22 million deal with the Phillies to be their new set-up man. It was a solid signing for the Phillies, but now, it takes on a new meaning.
To justify spending $22 million, or $11 million per year for the next two seasons, on Keller, the Phillies moved on from Strahm to free up the money on the lefties' deal.
Despite the Phillies' need for a solid bullpen and Strahm being under contract, they traded him away. It's a questionable move on its own, but the allure of adding talent with the now-free $7.5 million made it more acceptable.
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But, this report from Gelb points to the Phillies already allocating that $7.5 million total to Keller's $11 million total in 2026. It's a frustrating outcome for the Phillies fan base, as the front office has just exchanged relievers instead of adding to the roster.
This team has come up short in the postseason each of the last four seasons, and after back-to-back NLDS exits despite holding home-field advantage, the Phillies needed to change things up.
While they've made a few additions which should help, the Phillies decision to trade Strahm for a much lesser reliever, and use the $7.5 million on someone already acquired, is a questionable decision, and one bound to frustrate many Phillies fans.
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