Matt Strahm has appeared in more games than any other reliever for the Philadelphia Phillies since 2023. The veteran southpaw has developed into a high-leverage specialist, with manager Rob Thomson entrusting him to generate huge outs against both left and righties.
Before his initial two-year, $15 million contract expired, Strahm signed a contract extension for the 2025 season, with a vesting option for 2026. That option has been formally picked up, securing Strahm’s return to the Phillies next season.
Matt Strahm passes physical, guaranteeing return to Phillies’ bullpen in 2026
Matt Strahm’s contract option carried a base value of $4.5 million, but it included escalators that added $1 million for every 10 innings he pitched between 40 and 60. He reached the 60-inning threshold during the Phillies’ division-clinching win over the Dodgers in September, raising the option’s total value to $7.5 million.
The final step was a routine physical, which Strahm passed during the team’s bye week before the NLDS, according to Corey Seidman of Phillies Nation. His return is a major plus for Philadelphia, given his versatility and consistent reliability in multiple roles. Strahm initially joined the Phillies rotation in 2023 while Ranger Suárez was sidelined, making 10 starts before moving to the bullpen. That season, he finished with a 3.29 ERA and delivered 5 1/3 perfect innings in the postseason.
If his debut season didn’t already make him a fan favorite, 2024 sealed it. He built on his strong playoff performance with a career year, throwing 62 2/3 innings with a 1.87 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, and earning his first All-Star nod. His postseason that year wasn’t as sharp, however, as he gave up four earned runs in two innings against the Mets.
Strahm remained the Phillies’ workhorse reliever in 2025, logging 62 1/3 innings with a 2.74 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. Heading into October, he fits well as a middle-relief or setup option and will look to rebound from his 2024 playoff struggles. With him set to return in 2026, Strahm is expected to continue anchoring the bullpen alongside Jhoan Duran and Orion Kerkering as the Phillies aim for another deep postseason run.