Matt Strahm, the left-handed pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, has officially secured his contract option for 2026. The confirmation follows his successful completion of an end-of-season physical, which allows him to earn $7.5 million next year.
Contract Details and Performance
Strahm’s future with the team looks promising after the Phillies and the pitcher reached an extension agreement in March 2024. He was already slated to play in the 2024 season, and this new deal adds a $7.5 million salary for 2025.
- The contract includes a club option for 2026 with a base salary of $4.5 million.
- The value of the option can increase by different tiers:
- $1 million for achieving 40 innings pitched in 2025.
- An additional $1 million for reaching 50 innings.
- Another $1 million for pitching 60 innings, bringing the total to $7.5 million.
- The option is guaranteed provided Strahm passes a future physical.
This year, Strahm demonstrated his worth on the mound, pitching 62 1/3 innings with a commendable earned run average of 2.74. He struck out 27.3% of the batters faced and maintained a walk rate of just 7.8%. His efforts included six saves and 22 holds, marking his fourth consecutive season with double-digit holds.
Future Considerations for the Bullpen
Strahm’s solid performance almost guaranteed that the Phillies would opt into his contract option. He is expected to be a pivotal left-handed reliever in the bullpen going forward.
The Phillies are also assessing the status of other left-handed pitchers in their bullpen:
- José Alvarado: He has a $9 million club option for next year but could be bought out for $500,000. Alvarado posted a 3.81 ERA and had a 28.1% strikeout rate, though he was limited to 26 innings due to a PED suspension and a forearm strain.
- Tanner Banks: With a 3.07 ERA this year, Banks is eligible for retention through arbitration.
- Tim Mayza: An impending free agent, Mayza’s future with the team remains uncertain.
With Strahm’s contract officially guaranteed, the Philadelphia Phillies are setting the stage for a competitive season ahead.
