This Royal began his career in Kansas City. Now, he’s back to continue his story
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Strahm was traded from the Phillies back to the Royals to bolster bullpen leadership.
- Strahm posted a 2.74 ERA in 66 games last season and offers high-leverage experience.
- Royals lean on Strahm’s refined kick-change and clubhouse leadership amid injuries.
Matt Strahm entered the first floor of Kauffman Stadium and made a right turn toward the double doors leading to the Kansas City Royals’ clubhouse.
It had been nearly 10 years since he had done so.
“Little different, obviously, being in the right-field bullpen,” Strahm said. “But, you know, everything has kind of felt like déjà vu for me.”
A decade ago, Strahm was a wide-eyed rookie. And his road to the majors was unique — KC selected him in the 21st round of the 2012 MLB Draft out of Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kansas.
Strahm signed for $100,000 out of college and began his Royals journey. Scouts raved about his fastball — which sat 92-94 mph at the time — and his improving curveball and changeup combination.
However, it took a while for Strahm to find his rhythm. In 2013, he underwent Tommy John Surgery and worked diligently to return to the field. The rehab cost him significant time, but it also fueled his hunger to keep going.
Strahm was back more than a year later.
This time, he had a real opportunity to crack the Royals roster. Strahm was fast tracked from Double-A Northwest Arkansas to the big leagues in 2016.
“I mean, younger me was naive and arrogant enough to think this would happen anyways,” Strahm said.
Yet, the older version had a new perspective. It’s why Strahm — now 34 years old — is excited about his full-circle moment with the Royals.
“I think I would tell younger Matt to keep your head down and keep working because that’s what got me here and that’s what’s gonna keep me here,” Strahm said.
Making a trade
This offseason, the Royals jumped at the chance to reacquire Strahm. Once he was available, the club made a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Strahm returned to Kansas City in exchange for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan.
The deal was beneficial for both sides. The Royals felt Strahm was an essential piece to bolster their bullpen. Strahm, who was one of the top lefty relievers, posted a 2.74 ERA in 66 games last season.
A year before, Strahm made the All-Star team. The Royals valued his metrics, alongside his ability to pitch in high-leverage situations, to make the deal.
Maybe just as important, the Royals wanted his veteran leadership in the bullpen.
“This is exactly what our bullpen needed right now,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said at the time of the trade.
The early results have varied. Strahm has allowed three runs across five relief appearances this season. He may still be finding his footing, but manager Matt Quatraro believes he’s “jumped right in.”
“I mean, as soon as we acquired him this offseason, he had great conversations and he is a really mature guy,” Quatraro said. “Obviously, he has been around the league for a long time and he is really excited to win. He’s been on winning teams and I think he can bring a lot from that respect.”
Called right into action
The Royals’ bullpen has needed Strahm due to injuries. Closer Carlos Estévez was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left foot contusion. He also was dealing with low velocity that had lingered since spring training.
With Estévez sidelined, the Royals turned to Lucas Erceg to fill the closer spot. Additionally, Strahm has received more late-innings work.
The Royals expct to lean on his consistent production to navigate the difficult stretch.
“I think all of us, with (Estévez) out there, we kind of throw pockets,” Strahm said. “And that doesn’t really change. It just kind of pushes us back an inning or so. You know, (Erceg) has done an unbelievable job. And I mean, it’s whatever (Quatraro) says. Whenever that phone rings, we’re all going to be ready, and it’s whoever he wants.”
Strahm’s confidence is felt in various ways. Several teammates alluded to his ability to keep things loose in the bullpen.
Sometimes, that’s needed through a 162-game season.
“He brings a lot of character down there,” Erceg said. “I’ll say it’s funny listening to the stories he has to tell. And it’s kind of nice to have a guy down there to keep things fresh.”
Royals reliever Nick Mears said he believes Strahm is well respected due to his passion for his teammates.
“He’s awesome,” Mears said. “I can’t state that enough. He’s a leader in the clubhouse and he’s a leader in the bullpen. Just an incredible dude all around. I mean, the biggest thing for me is that he cares. As redundant as that sounds, it’s a big thing when it comes to the clubhouse stuff.”
Strahm is learning a few new tricks as well. He has refined a few pitches — most notably, the kick-change — since returning to the organization.
The idea was brought forth by Royals pitching coach Brian Sweeney. It’s a pitch that Strahm hopes to perfect moving forward.
“The kick-change was a big thing for me in spring working on it,” Strahm said. “It’s carried well over into the season pretty well so far. I’m very grateful for them to trust me using that. I know as a reliever, they kind of want you to keep two or three pitches sharp. … Everything they have preached here I’ve agreed with so far. And it’s gone together well.”
Now back in Kansas City, Strahm plans to settle back into his Midwest lifestyle. He owns a farm nearly two hours away and looks forward to visiting it soon.
His family is also adjusting well, and he couldn’t be happier.
“When I first got up here, my wife and I were newly married, just the two of us in an apartment,” Strahm recalled of his first stint in KC. “And now, we’ve got a full family, three dogs and need a little yard for them to run around in. So it’s all worked itself out.”
