Quickly becoming a key member of the Philadelphia Phillies, Matt Strahm has grown not only as a pitcher but a leader.
After the 2024 trade deadline, the Phillies had assembled one of the best bullpens in franchise history. Strahm was a major contributor to that bullpen, and the 2024 All-Star was pivotal down the stretch of the 95-win club.
Veteran Leadership
Heading into 2025, and with the departures of Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez, the Phillies bullpen has a new look. However, the back end of the bullpen is still a strength for the Phillies.
Don’t believe me? Then, take Matt Strahm‘s word for it.
Strahm has been a veteran in the Phillies’ pen, although you might not want to mention that to him. “The V-word still feels weird to me,” said Strahm. “The last 9 seasons have been kind of a blur.“
While he pitched in just 2 Grapefruit League games due to injury, Strahm remained up for the challenge of the regular season. “Spring Training [was] obviously short for me, but I’ve always said I’m ready to compete.”
He showed his competitive nature on Opening Day as he was tabbed to pitch the 10th inning and seal a win for the Phillies.
Strahm’s High-End Pen-Mates
Matt Strahm isn’t the only strength within the Phillies’ bullpen. Fellow left-handed pitcher José Alvarado and right-handers Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering join him.
Romano is the newest addition to the Phillies, after signing a 1-year, $9 million contract. Strahm’s new catch partner (replacing Jeff Hoffman) gets high marks from his counterpart. “Guy’s got a heavy fastball and a sharp breaking ball,” said Strahm. “The experience he’s had in closing games is going to be huge for us down the line.”
He struggled in his first appearance, but that’s the first page of his season’s story.
In terms of a career, Orion Kerkering’s story has just begun. Turning 24 years old next week, Kerkering is already in his second full season. Don’t let his age fool you.
“If you looked at his birth certificate, you probably wouldn’t believe it,” remarked Strahm. “He goes out there and competes with the best of them. He pitches older than he is.”
On Thursday, Kerkering was manager Rob Thomson‘s first call-out of the bullpen. After the baseball gods let 2 bloop hits fall (with an added error), Kerkering pulled out a gutsy performance to end the inning without damage.
Rounding out the firemen, José Alvarado might be baseball’s worst-kept secret weapon. He dominated Spring Training, striking out 20 batters in 9 innings.
“Alvarado is the nastiest arm in baseball,” praised Strahm. “He’s the best arm in baseball, no doubt.”
In his regular-season debut, he sure looked like it. He topped out at 101.3 MPH with his sinker, striking out 2 in a pivotal 9th inning.
Each reliever will see their fair share of high-leverage situations this season. When the bullpen phone rings, each is uniquely prepared for any situation that lies before them.
Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
