Somewhat of a former Phillies reunion could be taking place in the Seattle Mariners bullpen next season. The M’s – like most teams – are looking to switch things up among their relief corps and some guys with Philadelphia stickers on their suitcases are on their wish list.

One current Phillies pitcher who the Mariners have taken a liking to is Matt Strahm. A couple weeks ago the Phillies were rumored to be shopping one of their lefty relievers, which would include Strahm. Adam Jude of The Seattle Times noted that the team wants to add two relievers and are looking to add one before the Winter Meetings end next Thursday.

Strahm has made 66 relief appearances in each of the last two seasons and has finished with a 1.87 ERA in 2024 and finished last season with a 2.74 ERA with the Phillies. In 10 MLB seasons, Strahm is 34-38, 3.36 with 15 saves, 11 of which have come over the past three seasons with Philadelphia, including a career-high 6 saves in 2025. Strahm has also pitched for Kansas City, San Diego, and Boston in his major league career. An extension that Strahm signed after the 2024 season called for 2026 to be a team option year, but Strahm reached an incentive clause that would pay him $7.5-million next year if he pitched in 60 games, which he reached. The same stipulation ($4.5-million team option with $1-million bonuses for 40, 50, and 60 games) exists, but remains a team option rather than becoming guaranteed. Strahm, 34, is eligible for free agency following next season if the Phillies do not pick up the team option.

Two other former Phillies left-handers are on Seattle’s list according to Jude. JoJo Romero and Hoby Milner. Romero’s career took off after the Phillies dealt him to St. Louis during the 2022 season for infielder Edmundo Sosa, a trade that has worked well for both teams. Over three seasons with the Cardinals, Romero is 15-11 with 12 saves and a 3.00 ERA. In three seasons in Philadelphia, the lefty, who is now 29, posted a 7.89 ERA in 25 relief appearances. Romero is in his final season of arbitration eligibility with St. Louis after earning $2.26-million last season.

Milner, 34, is the guy that manager Gabe Kapler had to bring into a game without having time to warm up when he made a second trip to the mound in an inning even though nobody was throwing in the bullpen. Milner went to Tampa Bay in July of 2018 when the Phillies sold his contract. He then pitched one season for the Angels, four in Milwaukee and was with the Texas Rangers in 2025. His best season was in 2023 with Milwaukee when he had a 1.82 ERA and pitched in 73 games. He also pitched in 73 games with Texas last season with a 3.84 ERA. In nine major league seasons, Milner is 13-9 with 1 save and a 3.82 ERA. Milner is currently on the free agent market.

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