The bullpen remains a major topic of conversation for the Philadelphia Phillies.
That was especially evident after their crushing walk-off loss to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, when Jordan Romano was called in to pitch a five-inning save after Daniel Robert faltered in a close two-run game.
The Phillies are expected to address some of their problems at the trade deadline, but they’re also working to build a deeper, more reliable bullpen internally.
Their latest move reflects that effort.
The team reportedly confirm the signing of right-handed pitcher to a minor league deal and assigned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, according to their transaction log.
Bickford had been with the Chicago Cubs organization, posting strong numbers for their Triple-A affiliate this season—recording a 2.60 ERA over 20 appearances, with 36 strikeouts and only six walks in 27 2/3 innings.
His most recent Major League stint came earlier in 2024 with the New York Yankees, where he struggled, allowing eight earned runs on 10 hits over just 8 1/3 innings across eight outings.
Phillies fans might recognize the name for his time with the New York Mets in 2023 after he was traded there by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 1.
For the rest of that year, he produced a 4.62 ERA in 25 appearances, striking out 28 in 25 1/3 innings.
Bickford is an interesting addition because he has pedigree as a former 18th overall pick by the San Francisco Giants in the 2015 draft.
He’ll be someone to keep an eye on for the rest of the season.
At just 30 years old, if he gets called up at some point and can replicate what he did with the Cubs’ minor league affiliate, then there’s a chance he can carve out a role for himself in Philadelphia.
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