Strahm, 24, was a 21st-round Draft pick in 2012 and was used primarily as a starter in the Minor Leagues.
But Strahm, called up by the Royals on Aug. 1, burst onto the scene in the bullpen and finished with the best ERA (1.23) of any pitcher on the team. He had a 1.09 WHIP in 21 appearances.
"He became one of the guys we could count on," manager Ned Yost said. "Just very impressive what he did."
Strahm was so effective out of the bullpen that it may change the organization's short-term view of his role.