The Phillies Sent a Message with Matt Strahm, and These Four Players May Be Hearing It Loudest. DD
Who could be next?
The Philadelphia Phillies traded reliever Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals for reliever Jonathan Bowlan on Friday morning.
A Strahm trade was possible this offseason but rumors picked up following ESPN’s Jeff Passan’s mention of the left-hander’s name in trade speculation in a recent article.
In the aftermath of the trade, which other players could Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski be looking to deal this winter?
The Phillies have some prospects who could make their major league debuts with the franchise next year.
Dombrowski may look for a change of scenery for some players following pressure from local media and fans that the team needs to make changes during the offseason.
Which players could be traded next?
4 Phillies players who could be traded next after the Matt Strahm deal
1. Bryson Stott
Could Philadelphia move on from Bryson Stott? He’s a solid defender at second base, but his offense has dipped since a breakout 2023 season.
His numbers this year were better this past season than in 2024, however, as he had a career-high 66 RBI, along with 13 home runs, a .719 OPS, and a .257/.328/.391 slash line in 147 games.
The Phillies have been mentioned as a suitor for free agent infielder Bo Bichette and a possible trade destination for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte.
Also, top prospect Aidan Miller could possibly see a promoting to the majors sometime during next season.
With Trea Turner at shortstop, the Phillies might envision the youngster seeing time at second.
Stott could be traded if the Phillies front office wants a better offensive player at the position or wants to transition to Miller, who the team sees as a core player to build around for their future.
2. Nick Castellanos
Nick Castellanos will not be on the roster by the time the 2026 regular season begins.
This was all but confirmed following the Phillies’ signing of right fielder Adolis García to a one-year deal on Dec. 15.
It is just a matter of whether the Phillies can trade Castellanos or have to end up releasing him.
He had 17 home runs, 72 RBIs, and a .250/.294/.400 slash line with a .694 OPS in 147 games this season.
Better offensive numbers are expected of a player making $20 million a season.
There was no interest in other franchises trading for Castellanos at the MLB Winter Meetings, even if the Phillies absorbed some of his salary.
There may not be any interest in the veteran outfielder until there are more outfield free agent signings.
Philadelphia would certainly rather trade than release him so a deal may take longer than originally anticipated.
3. Alec Bohm
Alec Bohm is in trade rumors for the second consecutive offseason.
He will be a free agent next offseason, and Dombrowski may try to get something in return rather than lose the third baseman for nothing.
The Phillies are also open to the possibility of Miller playing third base for them, making it likely that Bohm will not be around that much longer.
Bohm finished with a .287/.331/.409 line, 11 home runs, 59 RBIs, and a .740 OPS in 120 games this year.
His 18 doubles were significantly less than the last two years when he finished with 31 in 2023 and a career-high 44 in 2024.
There were rumors earlier this offseason that Alex Bregman could be a possible addition.
However, those talks have since calmed down, following the club’s re-signing of Kyle Schwarber.
Nevertheless, Bohm may be traded this offseason if Dombrowski wants to make more changes to the roster.
4. Johan Rojas
Johan Rojas’ name popped up in trade rumors earlier this offseason, following the news of anticipated changes with the Phillies’ outfield.
He’s playing well in the Dominican League, which can’t hurt his trade value.
In 71 games for the Phillies in 2025, Rojas finished with a .224/.280/.289 slash line, one home run, 18 RBIs, and a .569 OPS.
The club optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after trading for Harrison Bader at the deadline.
The decision to send him down to the minors and his ongoing offensive struggles, makes him a possible trade candidate.
However, Dombrowski mentioned that Rojas could be a reserve outfielder for the Phillies in center field following the García signing.
While it’s possible he’ll be with the team at the start of next season, if the Phillies have to chance to move him in a package it wouldn’t be surprising to see that happen.
