Cubs Sign Reliever Phil Bickford to Minor League Contract

The Chicago Cubs have made a move to enhance their bullpen depth by signing reliever Phil Bickford to a minor league contract. The agreement was reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Bickford's Recent Performance
Phil Bickford, a 29-year-old right-hander, had a challenging year in the majors. He made eight appearances with the New York Yankees, pitching 8 1/3 innings and giving up nine runs on ten hits. Despite these struggles, Bickford shone in Triple-A, posting a 3.40 ERA with an impressive 30% strikeout rate and a manageable 7.7% walk rate. Although his big league performance didn't reflect these numbers, Bickford's ability to miss bats at the highest level remains promising.

Career Highlights
Bickford has shown potential throughout his five seasons in MLB. With an above-average 26.1% strikeout rate, he demonstrated his capability during his career-high 67 1/3 innings in 2023 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. However, he also experienced control issues, as evidenced by a 12.8% walk rate and nearly five earned runs allowed per nine innings.

Cubs' Strategy
By signing Bickford, the Cubs add a potentially valuable arm to their bullpen. His strong Triple-A numbers and ability to generate strikeouts make him a low-risk, high-reward addition. Bickford's experience and potential to rebound could provide the Cubs with much-needed depth and versatility in their pitching staff.

​As the Cubs gear up for the upcoming season, fans and analysts will be watching to see if Bickford can translate his minor league success to the major league level and contribute significantly to the team's success.