Roster Update: Phillies make two key moves, appear to finalize bench for the 2024 season

The Philadelphia Phillies announced two additional changes to their roster today following a package of moves yesterday as they continue to trim down their major league roster ahead of Opening Day on March 28th.

Phillies announce roster moves as they continue to trim down Spring Training roster >>

Phillies Extend Matt Strahm

The Phillies and reliever Matt Strahm have agreed on a contract extension through the 2025 season that includes a club/vesting option in 2026. 

Strahm was initially set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. He’ll make $7.5 million this year after joining the Phillies on a 2-year, $15 million contract in December 2022.

He posted a 9-5 record with a 3.29 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP during his debut campaign with the Phillies in 2023, striking out 108 over 87.2 innings pitched. He appeared in seven games during the postseason and didn’t allow a run over 5.1 innings. 

Jake Cave shipped to Colorado for Cash

The Phillies also announced that outfielder Jake Cave has been traded to the Colorado Rockies for cash considerations. Cave hit five home runs to go along with 21 RBIs last season with the Phillies, posting a .620 OPS. He was a fringe candidate to make the Phillies’ Opening Day bench but now it’s pretty clear on the direction the team will go instead. 

Phillies Projected Bench 

• Whit Merrifield 
• Christian Pache
• Edmunndo Sosa 
• Garrett Stubbs 
• Johan Rojas / Kody Clemens

That’s assuming Johan Rojas will be starting in centerfield when the Phillies open up the 2024 season against the Atlanta Braves the Citizens Bank Park on March 28th. 

Last week, I touched on all the reasons why Johan Rojas, while being an elite centerfielder, should start the season in Triple A Lehigh Valley. At this point, Kody Clemens should be on the Opening Day roster and Rojas should start the year with the IronPigs. I know there’s a big debate on the topic so if you want to rehash that conversation, I’d be happy to do so after you read what I had to say here. 

Ideal Starting Outfield for the Phillies on Opening Day 

• LF: Whit Merrifield 
• CF: Brandon Marsh (Cristian Pache) 
• RF: Nick Castellanos 

Taijuan Walker in jeopardy of missing first start; a look at the Phillies options for the starting rotation >>

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