Matthew Scott Strahm Bio
Matthew Scott Strahm is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies. As of the 2026 MLB season, Strahm is the only active MLB player born in North Dakota. Strahm started his career with the Royals after being drafted in 2012 and has established himself as a versatile pitcher throughout his tenure in major league baseball.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Scott Strahm was born on November 12, 1991, in North Dakota, USA. He attended West Fargo High School in West Fargo, North Dakota, where he played for the school’s baseball team as a pitcher. Strahm considered himself the third-best pitcher on his team. His talent caught the attention of a coach from Neosho County Community College during a tryout at the University of Kansas. In the summer of 2011, he played for the Rochester Honkers of the Northwoods League. In 2012, he pitched to a 9–3 win-loss record and a 1.48 earned run average (ERA), helping the Neosho County Panthers reach the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series. After two seasons with Neosho, Strahm committed to transfer to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Path to Baseball
The Kansas City Royals selected Matthew Strahm in the 21st round, with the 643rd overall selection, of the 2012 MLB draft. He signed with the Royals, receiving a $100,000 signing bonus, rather than transferring to Nebraska. Strahm made his professional debut with the Idaho Falls Chukars of the Rookie-level Pioneer League. Unfortunately, he required Tommy John surgery during the 2013 season to repair damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, which caused him to miss most of the 2014 season. In 2015, Strahm pitched for the Lexington Legends of the Class A South Atlantic League and Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Class A-Advanced Carolina League, where he was named a South Atlantic League All-Star.
Matthew Scott Strahm Career
Early Career (2016-2017)
Strahm began the 2016 season with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals of the Class AA Texas League, where he had a 3.43 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 102+1⁄3 innings pitched through July. The Royals promoted him to the major leagues on July 31, 2016, where he made his MLB debut that day. Although most of his minor league experience was as a starting pitcher, the Royals used Strahm as a relief pitcher for the remainder of the 2016 season. Overall, during parts of two seasons with the Royals, he compiled a 4–7 record in 45 games with a 3.81 ERA while striking out 67 batters in 56+2⁄3 innings.
Breakthrough (2018-2021)
On July 24, 2017, the Royals traded Strahm to the San Diego Padres. In 2018, he posted an impressive 2.05 ERA in 41 games, striking out 69 batters in 61+1⁄3 innings. Strahm began the 2019 season as a starter, starting 16 games before transitioning to the bullpen. He finished the season with a record of 6-11 in 46 games, striking out 118 in 114+2⁄3 innings. In 2021, Strahm was placed on the 60-day injured list as he continued to recover from patellar tendon surgery on his right knee. Overall, during parts of four seasons with the Padres, he compiled a 9–17 record in 112 games with a 3.81 ERA while striking out 206 batters in 203+1⁄3 innings.
Notable Works and Milestones
Strahm signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox on March 15, 2022. He posted a 4–4 record with four saves and a 3.83 ERA in 50 relief appearances during the season. In December 2022, he signed a two-year contract worth $15 million with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2023, he went 9–5 with a 3.29 ERA and 108 strikeouts across 87+2⁄3 innings pitched. Strahm was named an All-Star in 2024, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Matthew Scott Strahm Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Matthew Scott Strahm has received recognition for his performances, including an All-Star selection in 2024.
Matthew Scott Strahm Awards Won
Matthew Scott Strahm has achieved notable recognition in his career, including being named an All-Star in 2024.
Matthew Scott Strahm Family
Matthew Strahm is married to Megan Strahm. The couple was married in Chanute, Kansas, in September 2015. Strahm grew up a Minnesota Twins fan and has a brother, Ben, who played college baseball at Cowley Community College and was signed by the San Francisco Giants in 2018. He also has a sister, Britta.
Personal Life
Strahm has his own YouTube channel, where he shares insights into his baseball life and features videos of him opening packs of baseball cards. His personal interests reflect his passion for baseball and connection to fans.
