Plenty of free agent names are on teams' bulletin boards during the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings. Since the beginning of the offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies' focus has been on free agents Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and the outfield. Many assumed that the Phillies wouldn't be able to shop at the top end of the free agent reliever market, but that might not be the case.
The reliever market is strong this offseason, and one that the Phillies should keep a close eye on as it continues to heat up. The Phillies' recurring roadblock has been their bullpen, and receiving trade interest for arms like Matt Strahm (subscription required) could motivate their willingness to sign one of the big relievers still available.
Strahm has been in the mix of trade interest since the end of the 2025 season. He's been one of the Phillies more reliable arms over the last few seasons. His value in Philadelphia is obvious, but it also helps drive up the trade interest. The Phillies could strike while the iron is hot and immediately pivot to a big name free agent reliever instead.
Phillies linked to top reliever target, Matt Strahm's trade value makes big free agent signing possible
Ahead of the Winter Meetings, MLB insider Jon Morosi discussed available late-inning relievers, and the Phillies came up as a potential fit for the top names on the market.
The top names still available include Edwin Díaz, Kenley Jansen, Robert Suarez, Pete Fairbanks, Luke Weaver, Shawn Armstrong, Kyle Finnegan, and Tyler Rogers. But one name jumps out for the Phillies, according to Morosi.
"The Philadelphia Phillies, the common refrain in Philly, 'not having enough bullpen,'" Morosi said. "There are a number of guys still available. Reportedly Kyle Finnegan, some mutual interest…"
Which teams are in the mix to sign a late-inning free agent reliever?@jonmorosi mentions the Blue Jays, Tigers, Phillies, Cubs and Angels. pic.twitter.com/iTqrgRD917
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 5, 2025
The Phillies traded for Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins, and he'll most likely remain their closer going forward. But getting some help for him would be a massive boost.
Finnegan, who pitched most of his career as a closer for the Washington Nationals before being traded to the Detroit Tigers this season. He pitched to a 3.47 ERA in 2025, while sporting a 1.50 ERA over his final 16 games as a member of the Tigers.
The Phillies will also have their shot at bringing in former New York Mets' closer Díaz, Suarez, and others. The Phillies have been lacking trust at the back-end of their bullpen, and bringing in another top arm would be a massive win.
In theory, the Phillies could sign a bullpen arm and still keep Strahm and his $7.5 million salary, but the luxury tax price would make the idea of getting something in return for him much better. Strahm was an All-Star in 2024 and followed that up with another solid year this past season, sporting a 2.74 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 62 1/3 innings.
Strahm has been a valued part of the Phillies' bullpen since he signed before the 2023 season. He's been a big part of some marquee wins, but the Phillies also have to shake things up to better their chances at a championship. If the Phillies can load up the bullpen, they should be looking at every opportunity to do so.