According to a report by Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies are receiving trade inquiries about their left-handed relief pitchers. Gelb wrote that teams have called about José Alvarado, Tanner Banks, and Matt Strahm. The team did pick up the club option on Alvarado for the 2026 season. Banks is under team control through the 2028 season. Meanwhile, Strahm is a free agent after the 2026 season. Gelb did write that Strahm is likely to generate the most interest from opposing teams. Banks and Strahm are both entering their age-34 seasons, while Alvarado is entering his age-31 season. The Phillies lack left-handed relief pitching depth beyond these three pitchers. Moreover, left-handed relief pitcher Tim Mayza is not expected to be re-signed by the Phillies.

Sep 20, 2023; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Matt Strahm (25) and catcher Garrett Stubbs (21) react after the Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Report: Phillies Getting Trade Inquiries as Hot Stove Heats Up

Alvarado missed most of the 2025 season due to a suspension. In 28 outings, he had a 4-2 record with a 3.81 ERA along with seven saves. He also recorded a 3.60 FIP and a 1.308 WHIP with a 4.57 K/BB rate. While Alvarado was suspended, Banks emerged as a trusted bullpen option for Phillies manager Rob Thomson. Banks had a 6-2 record with a 3.07 ERA as well as one save in 69 outings. He had a 3.64 FIP, a 1.010 WHIP, and a 5.08 K/BB rate. Strahm continued his role as one of the Phillies’ go-to high-leverage relief pitchers. In 66 outings, he had a 2-3 record with a 2.74 ERA along with six saves. The lefty also recorded a 2.99 FIP, as well as a 1.075 WHIP and a 3.50 K/BB rate.

Some Phillies items that emerged from Vegas: https://t.co/oyKJEfBCCX

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) November 15, 2025

The Logic Behind Potential Moves

According to Gelb, the Phillies are considering moving one or more of these pitchers to potentially free up some payroll and help their farm system. Gelb also wrote that the Phillies improving their right-handed relief pitching depth could lead them to make such a move. It is true that they currently lack relief pitching depth in their farm system. On the payroll front, Alvarado is scheduled to make $9.00 million in 2026, with Strahm scheduled to make $7.50 million. Meanwhile, Banks is arbitration-eligible and Spotrac projects that he will make $1.25 million next season. Trading Alvarado or Strahm would free up a decent amount of money. That could help the Phillies retain both Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto in free agency. Both players will have many suitors this offseason.

What Approach Should the Club Take?

Given age and contract considerations, Strahm is the most likely to be traded, as Gelb points out. He has been the subject of trade rumors for a few weeks now. From a competition standpoint, however, trading Alvarado makes the most sense. He let the team down by getting suspended. Furthermore, Alvarado has the largest 2026 salary among the three. 2023 is the lone season in which he has recorded a 2.50 ERA or better for the Phillies. If they do trade one of their left-handed relief pitchers, then signing or trading for a different left-handed relief pitcher is essential. Having two left-handed pitchers in the bullpen from the get-go is not a great strategy. There are other ways to get the right-handed relief pitching depth, such as making good free agent signings.

 

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