Updated Post: Dec. 19 at 10:10 a.m.
The Kansas City Royals have made their second notable trade of the past week, this time acquiring left-handed reliever Matt Strahm from the Philadelphia Phillies for right-handed pitcher Jonathan Bowlan, according to FanSided’s Robert Murray.
Strahm, who was drafted in the 21st round of the 2012 MLB Draft by Kansas City, is set to make $7.5 million in the final year of his contract. He appeared in 66 games for the Phillies in 2025 and recorded a 2.74 ERA over 62 1/3 innings with 70 strikeouts.
Bowlan, a second-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, made his big-league debut in 2023 and logged a 3.86 ERA in 34 appearances totaling 44 1/3 innings this past season.
The Royals previously acquired outfielder Isaac Collins and right-handed reliever Nick Mears from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-handed reliever Angel Zerpa.
Original Post: Dec. 19 at 9:43 a.m.
The Padres have signed infielder Sung-mun Song, according to Robert Murray of Fansided. The former KBO player will be making around $13 million over three seasons. Those terms were first mentioned by reporter Francys Romero.
Song Sung-mun
The report of Song’s signing comes less than 12 hours after multiple reports revealed that the Padres were re-signing right-handed starting pitcher Michael King.
Song, 29, has played parts of nine seasons for the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO. A righty thrower and left-handed hitter at the plate, Song has moved around the infield, accumulating games at every position other than shortstop.
He spent the majority of his time at third base in 2025, playing 111 games there, but with the ever-available Manny Machado entrenched there for the long term, Song would likely serve as a backup utility infielder.
Song’s offensive output has surged over the past two seasons, making his move to MLB one to watch. After finishing six of his first seven years in the KBO with an OPS under .700, Song slashed .340/.409/.518 and .315/.387/.530 over his last two seasons, respectively, averaging over 20 home runs, 30 doubles and 20 stolen bases in the process.
