Phillies' Matt Strahm replacement agrees to $1.2 million contract to avoid arbitration

4 days ago 2

Phillies' Matt Strahm replacement agrees to $1.2 million contract to avoid arbitration originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies made an interesting decision this offseason to trade away Matt Strahm, the team's best lefty reliever.

While they didn't go out and sign or trade for an elite lefty to replace him, the Phillies do have a few in-house names ready to take his place.

One of those lefty relievers, Tanner Banks, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, agreed to terms on a $1.2 million deal to avoid arbitration with the Phillies.

Phillies avoid arbitration with Matt Strahm's replacement

"The Phillies trying to settle all of their cases and reach agreement with Tanner Banks at $1.2 million," Nightengale reported.

This isn't the biggest arbitration case the Phillies needed to avoid this offseason, but ensuring that Banks is locked in for 2026 is a big deal.

The 2024 trade pickup had a strong 2025 season with the Phillies, posting a solid 3.07 ERA in 69 games, giving the Phillies the confidence to move on from Strahm.

More: Guardians sign free agent pitcher from Italy who throws 98 MPH

While Strahm might be the better option, Banks is officially over $6 million cheaper, and if Jonathan Bowlan can turn into a solid option for the Phillies, then this trade-off will have worked wonders for the Phillies.

Banks is in the first year of arbitration, and if he continues to progress, he could be looking at solid paydays over the next two seasons when he's once again up for arbitration.

The Phillies and Banks agreed to a $1.2 million one-year deal to avoid arbitration, ensuring that Banks is back with Jose Alvarado, Jhoan Duran, and Brad Keller in the bullpen.