Phillies left-hander Matt Strahm is now officially on the books for 2026. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the southpaw has passed the requisite end-of-season physical to lock in a $7.5MM salary next year.
The Phils and Strahm agreed to an extension in March of 2024. He was already under contract for the 2024 season, with the new pact adding a $7.5MM salary for 2025. It also included a club option for 2026 with a $4.5MM base salary. Strahm could increase the value of that option by $1MM by getting to 40 innings pitched in 2025, then another $1MM for 50 innings. If he got to 60 innings, it would bump by another $1MM to $7.5MM. It would also become guaranteed, as long as he passed an end-of-season physical.
Strahm went on to toss 62 1/3 innings for the Phils this year, allowing 2.74 earned runs per nine. He struck out 27.3% of batters faced while only giving out walks at a 7.8% pace. He recorded six saves and 22 holds, his fourth straight season getting to double digits in the latter category.
Given his solid production, the Phils were probably going to trigger Strahm’s option regardless, but he has now made it official. He’ll return to the club next year and should serve as a key lefty reliever in the Philadelphia pen once more.
As for the other lefties in the bullpen, the Phils will face a decision on José Alvarado, who can be brought back for next year via a $9MM club option or be bought out for $500K. He had a solid performance when on the mound this year, with a 3.81 ERA, 28.1% strikeout rate, 6.1% walk rate and 45.8% ground ball rate. However, he was limited to 26 innings due to an 80-game PED suspension and a September forearm strain. Tanner Banks had a 3.07 ERA this year and can be retained for next year via arbitration. Tim Mayza is an impending free agent.
Photo courtesy of Jim Rassol, Imagn Images
