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Strahm sustained the injury during the World Baseball Classic and tried to pitch through it during his time with the Royals, struggling to a 7.32 ERA over 41 appearances. He’s expected to be fully recovered for the start of the 2027 season. When healthy, Strahm has proven to be a capable setup man, which should give him plenty of suitors on the open market over the winter.

The 34-year-old southpaw had been designated for assignment earlier in the week and passed through waivers unclaimed. A reliable setup option in years past, Strahm struggled to a 7.32 ERA over 41 appearances with the Royals this season. Given the lack of quality left-handed bullpen options around the league, it shouldn’t be hard for Strahm to find another opportunity where a team thinks they can fix what’s causing his struggles this season.

The signs were there last year that Strahm was slipping, which is why the Royals were able to get him from the Phillies for Jonathan Bowlan, but the magnitude of his collapse is still stunning. He went from posting a 2.71 ERA the last three years to 7.32 in 41 appearances this season. There will be teams interested in taking a chance on him once he clears waivers, but if anyone was willing to take on the remainder of his $7.5 million salary, that would have happened prior to Monday’s deadline.

It is notable that the Royals didn’t turn to nominal closer Alex Lange in a save situation after he blew Tuesday’s game. It didn’t work out very well for Matt Quatraro, who had Lucas Erceg load the bases while getting two outs in a 3-0 game and then had Strahm unload them. It’s hard to be confident about any closer emerging here down the stretch, though it’s a bit surprising they haven’t at least dabbled with Daniel Lynch IV in the role since he’s the only Royals reliever who has been appreciably good this year.

The 34-year-old southpaw had been sidelined for a couple of weeks due to inflammation in his right knee. He’ll return to a 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and a 17/7 K/BB ratio over 16 1/3 frames in 17 appearances for the Royals this season.

Strahm hits the shelf after recording just two outs on 15 pitches during Friday’s relief appearance against the Cardinals. The 34-year-old lefty holds a pedestrian 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 17/7 K/BB ratio across 16 1/3 innings over 17 appearances. There is no timetable for his return yet.

Derek Hill hit the homer. Strahm has allowed three homers and seven runs in 15 2/3 innings to begin the year. At this point, Daniel Lynch IV probably should be ahead of him in line for saves if something happens to Lucas Erceg.

Strahm was charged with a run after departing the game against the Rangers. He has a 3.38 ERA in six appearances this spring.

Strahm returns home to the organization that drafted him in the 21st round back in 2012. The 34-year-old hurler debuted with the Royals in 2016 before traveling around the league. While he has some experience in the ninth inning, it’s likely that he’ll settle into his traditional setup role with the Royals.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com adds that Jonathan Bowlan will be heading to the Phillies in the trade. It’s a terrific get for the Royals though, as Strahm has developed into one of the most reliable left-handed setup men in all of baseball. The 34-year-old southpaw registered a 2.74 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and a 70/20 K/BB ratio over 62 1/3 innings while snagging six saves during the 2025 campaign.

Strahm, 34, was again plenty effective in posting a 2.74 ERA in 62 1/3 innings for the Phillies last season, but his velocity and his strikeout rate were both down from 2024 and he’s become one of the league’s most extreme flyball pitchers. He’ll make $7.5 million next season in the final year of his deal.

Strahm’s option guarantee went into effect when he hit the 60-inning mark this month, but he still needed to pass the physical. Even if the Phillies had some questions about that, they’d probably welcome him back at $7.5 million. He has a 2.74 this season, and he’s posted a 2.71 ERA in 212 2/3 innings since joining the team three years ago.

Strahm just needs to pass a postseason physical as the final step before the option goes into effect, but that feels like a given. He has been a tremendous asset in the Phillies bullpen, and will continue to be next year as well.