| Phil Bickford | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Bickford with theNew York Mets in 2024 | |
| Free agent | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1995-07-10)July 10, 1995 (age 30) Ventura, California, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 1, 2020, for the Milwaukee Brewers | |
| MLB statistics (through 2024 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 11–8 |
| Earned run average | 4.62 |
| Strikeouts | 210 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Phillip Roger Bickford (born July 10, 1995) is an American professionalbaseballpitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theMilwaukee Brewers,Los Angeles Dodgers,New York Mets, andNew York Yankees. He made his MLB debut in 2020.
Bickford attendedOaks Christian School inWestlake Village, California.[1][2] TheToronto Blue Jays selected Bickford in the first round, with the 10th overall selection, in the2013 Major League Baseball draft,[3] but he did not sign with the team.[4]
Bickford enrolled atCalifornia State University, Fullerton and playedcollege baseball for theCal State Fullerton Titans for his freshman year. After his freshman season in 2014, he playedcollegiate summer baseball for theYarmouth–Dennis Red Sox of theCape Cod Baseball League, where he posted a 1.63earned run average (ERA) with 44strikeouts over27+2⁄3innings pitched,[5] helped lead the Red Sox to the league championship,[6] and was named the league's Outstanding Pro Prospect.[7] Prior to his sophomore year, he transferred to theCollege of Southern Nevada in order to be eligible for the2015 Major League Baseball draft.[8]
TheSan Francisco Giants selected Bickford with the 18th overall pick in the 2015 draft. Bickford signed with the Giants for $2,333,800[9] and was assigned to the rookie-levelArizona League Giants, where he spent the whole season, pitching to a 0–1 record and 2.01 ERA in ten games started. He began the 2016 season with theAugusta GreenJackets and was promoted to theSan Jose Giants in June.
On August 1, 2016, the Giants traded Bickford andAndrew Susac to theMilwaukee Brewers forWill Smith.[10] Milwaukee assigned him to theBrevard County Manatees where he finished the season. In 23 total games (22 started) between Augusta, San Jose and Brevard County, Bickford posted a 7–7 record and 2.93 ERA as well as striking out 135 batters in 120 combined innings between the three clubs. He pitched only 17 innings in 2017 (with the rookie-levelArizona League Brewers) due to a 50-game suspension for testing positive for banned substances and a broken hand.[11][12] Bickford spent 2018 and 2019 with the Advanced Single-ACarolina Mudcats. Over 21 games in 2018 he carried a 4.60 ERA and turned it into a 2.48 ERA over 20 games in 2019.[13]
On September 1, 2020, Bickford was selected to the major leagues for the first time and made his MLB debut that night.[14]
On April 28, 2021, Bickford was designated for assignment to clear roster space for the recently selectedZack Godley.[15] He had allowed two earned runs in one inning of work up to that point in the year.[16]
On May 3, 2021, Bickford was claimed off waivers by theLos Angeles Dodgers.[17] On June 10, Bickford picked up his first career save against thePittsburgh Pirates.[18] On July 25, Bickford recorded his first careerMLB win against theColorado Rockies.[19] He pitched in 56 games for the Dodgers in 2021, posting a 4–2 record with a 2.50 ERA and 59 strikeouts in50+1⁄3 innings.[16] Bickford pitched in three games in each of the2021 NLDS and2021 NLCS, in which he allowed just four hits in six total innings of shutout ball.[16]
During the 2022 season, Bickford pitched in 60 games for the Dodgers, with a 2–1 record and 4.72 ERA.[16] On September 23,Albert Pujols hit his 700th career home run off of him.[20] Bickford pitched 42 innings over 36 games for the Dodgers in 2023, with a 2–3 record and 5.14 ERA.[16] He wasdesignated for assignment on July 29, 2023.[21]
On August 1, 2023, Bickford andAdam Kolarek were traded to theNew York Mets in exchange for cash considerations.[22] In 25 appearances, he posted a 4.62 ERA with 28 strikeouts across25+1⁄3 innings pitched.[23]
Bickford received a $900,000 salary for the 2024 season throughsalary arbitration.[24] Bickford was designated for assignment on March 23, following the signing ofJ. D. Martinez.[23] He was then released by the Mets on March 26.[25] The Mets remained responsible for $217,742 in termination pay for the 2024 season.[24]
On April 2, 2024, Bickford signed a minor league contract with theNew York Yankees.[26] In 22 games for the Triple–AScranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, he compiled a 2.93 ERA with 35 strikeouts and 4 saves across27+2⁄3 innings pitched. On June 21, the Yankees selected Bickford's contract, adding him to their active roster.[27] In four appearances, he struggled to a 6.23 ERA with four strikeouts in4+1⁄3 innings. On June 30, Bickford was designated for assignment by the Yankees.[28] On July 3, Bickford elected to become a free agent after clearing waivers.[29] He re–signed with the Yankees on a new minor league contract the following day. On August 25, the Yankees selected Bickford's contract and added him back to their active roster.[30] After four more appearances for the Yankees, he was designated for assignment on September 7.[31] Bickford cleared waivers and was sent outright to Scranton on September 9.[32] He elected free agency on October 1.[33]
On November 22, 2024, Bickford signed a minor league contract with theChicago Cubs.[34] In 20 appearances for the Triple-AIowa Cubs, he logged a 1-1 record and 2.60 ERA with 36 strikeouts and two saves across27+2⁄3 innings pitched. Bickford was released by the Cubs organization on July 2, 2025.[35]
On July 9, 2025, Bickford signed a minor league contract with thePhiladelphia Phillies.[36] He elected free agency on November 6.[37]
Bickford was born in Newbury Park, California. He has one brother and four sisters.[38]