The Kansas City Royals have built a potentially competitive roster. Kansas City should have an opportunity to challenge the best teams in the American League Central this season. One pitcher who could make a significant difference out of the bullpen is left-hander Matt Strahm. On Tuesday, Strahm received impressive recognition, as he was ranked No. 7 overall among all relief pitchers in baseball on MLB Network's "The Shredder" (MLB Network's data-driven analysis system that provides positional rankings without bias).
Here are the best relievers right now, according to The Shredder! #Top10RightNowpic.twitter.com/88jl1RLZXT
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 11, 2026
Aroldis Chapman leads the way at No. 1 overall. He is followed by San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller -- who is one of two San Diego pitchers on the list. Edwin Diaz, Cade Smith and Andres Munoz round out the top five, while Garrett Whitlock, Strahm, Adrian Morejon, Josh Hader and Jason Adam are ranked from No. 6 to No. 10.
It goes without saying, but Strahm is ranked among a star-studded group of pitchers. Closers such as Chapman and Diaz have been incredible for years, while guys like Miller and Smith are up-and-coming star relievers.
Matt Strahm Returns to Royals
Strahm, 34, began his big league career back in 2016 with Kansas City. He has since pitched for the Padres, Boston Red Sox, and most recently the Philadelphia Phillies. He has had a respectable career for the most part, but the veteran southpaw established himself as one of baseball's best relief pitchers with the Phillies.
The 2024 campaign saw him make his first career All-Star team. The left-hander finished the season with a sparkling 1.87 ERA across 66 appearances. In 2025, Strahm once again pitched in exactly 66 contests. He was not quite as dominant, but it is difficult to complain about a 2.74 ERA in 62.1 innings of work.
The Royals acquired Strahm during the offseason. Kansas City is looking to build a reliable bullpen, and the 34-year-old is set to play a huge role throughout the 2026 campaign.
The Royals' starting pitching could be respectable, but it also has some question marks. Offensively, the lineup features stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia, but it also has some uncertainty. With all of that being said, the performance of the Royals' bullpen will be of the utmost importance.
Matt Strahm will do everything he can to provide the ball club with a boost in 2026 as Kansas City looks to compete in the AL Central.