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The\u00a0Kansas City Royals\u00a0are aiming to bounce back in 2026 with hopes of returning to the postseason. With Spring Training approaching, the Royals have made several significant upgrades this offseason by leveraging the trade market.<\/p>\n
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One of the Royals\u2019 top offseason priorities was addressing the corner outfield, a position that haunted the roster last season. They took a step in the right direction by acquiring\u00a0Isaac Collins\u00a0via trade and signing\u00a0Lane Thomas\u00a0in free agency.<\/p>\n
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However, the move that may give this team a unique advantage is bringing in someone already familiar with the organization.<\/p>\n
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If you like our content, <\/em>choose Sports Illustrated as a preferred source on Google<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Matt Strahm\u00a0returned to Kansas City in mid-December in a one-for-one trade<\/a> that sent right-hander\u00a0Jonathan Bowlan to Philadelphia. A move that not only appears to favor the Royals, but also marked a full-circle moment for the 34-year-old veteran.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Royals\u00a0were the organization that first gave Strahm\u00a0an opportunity, selecting him in the 21st round of the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft. He later made his major league debut with Kansas City in 2017.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Strahm\u00a0features a five pitch arsenal that includes a four-seam fastball, slider, sinker, cutter and changeup. While he does not overpower hitters with velocity, his effectiveness comes from his command and consistent control.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In 2025,\u00a0Strahm\u00a0posted a 33.3 percent chase rate, with his slider emerging as a key weapon that generated a 30 percent whiff rate. Strahm finished the season with a 2.74 ERA and 1.5 fWAR.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He’s no stranger to success, as he enjoyed a career year on the mound just one season earlier. In 2024, Strahm posted a 1.87 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP while issuing just 11 walks across 62.2 innings. He was especially effective against right-handed hitters, holding them to a .133\/.201\/.245 slash line, and was named an All-Star for the first time in his career.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pairing\u00a0Strahm\u00a0with\u00a0Lucas Erceg\u00a0and\u00a0Carlos Est\u00e9vez\u00a0gives Kansas City a trustworthy bullpen in high-leverage situations. All three pitchers posted ERAs under 3.00 in 2025, with Erceg finishing at 2.65 and Est\u00e9vez at 2.45, while Est\u00e9vez ranked among the league leaders in saves.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Shortly after\u00a0Strahm\u00a0returned to Kansas City,\u00a0Hunter Harvey\u00a0signed with the\u00a0Chicago Cubs<\/a>. Harvey was viewed as a key piece of the bullpen after being traded to Kansas City\u00a0in 2024, but recurring injuries significantly limited his innings and ultimately led to his departure from the club.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Strahm\u00a0brings versatility, experience and trust from the left side, an element this bullpen has been seeking. When paired with Erceg\u00a0and Est\u00e9vez, it forms a dangerous trio for the late innings.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nTrading for left-hander Matt Strahm<\/h2>\n