The Phillies have made two bullpen trades in one day in an effort to reshuffle the mix heading into 2026.
Hours after trading veteran left-handed reliever Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan, the Phillies picked up left-hander Kyle Backhus from the Arizona Diamondbacks for minor league outfielder Avery Owusu-Asiedu. Earlier this week, the Phillies signed former Cubs reliever Brad Keller to a two-year contract.
The moves leave the Phillies with more bullpen depth, but a new look to the backend mix. Entering the offseason, the club’s five best relievers were Strahm, Jhoan Duran, José Alvarado, Orion Kerkering and Tanner Banks.