US EditionPhillies bolster bullpen with lefty specialist Kyle Backhus in trade with Diamondbacks
Kyle Backhus joins Phillies to strengthen bullpen; he limited left-handed hitters to a .139 average last season, while Avery Owusu-Asiedu heads to Diamondbacks' High-A Hillsboro Hops.
- On Friday, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired left-handed reliever Kyle Backhus from the Arizona Diamondbacks for minor-league outfielder Avery Owusu-Asiedu, completing their second pitching trade that day.
- Philadelphia targeted Backhus for a lefty matchup role after he held left-handed hitters to a.139 average, while Arizona used the trade to open a 40-man roster spot.
- A look at his 2025 numbers shows Backhus made 32 relief appearances, going 0-3 with a 4.62 ERA and 25.1 innings pitched with a 4.24 FIP, struggling more against right-handed batters.
- He will be assigned to the D-backs' High-A Hillsboro Hops after rebounding in 2025 with a.258/.366/.385 line and seven homers in 353 at-bats.
- Earlier Friday the Phillies also traded left-hander Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan, while the Arizona Diamondbacks still face bullpen needs.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Associated Press News
Phillies bolster bullpen with lefty specialist Kyle Backhus in trade with Diamondbacks
The Phillies have acquired left-hander Kyle Backhus from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for minor league outfielder Avery Owusu-Asiedu.
Phillies complete two trades in bullpen reshuffling
Jonathan Bowlan will slot into the Phillies bullpen as a middle reliever. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire) The Phillies have made two bullpen trades in one day in an effort to reshuffle the mix heading into 2026. Hours after trading veteran left-handed reliever Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan, the Phillies picked up left-hander Kyle Backhus from the Arizona Diamondbacks for minor league outfielder A…
Phillies Add Young Bullpen Arm Following Matt Strahm Trade
The Phillies got a bullpen depth piece just a few hours after shipping out Matt Strahm to KC for Jonathan Bowlan. Left-handed reliever Kyle Backhus has been traded to the Phils in exchange for minor-league outfielder Avery Owusu-Asiedu, the team announced: Makin' more moves We've acquired Kyle Backhus from the Arizona Diamondbacks pic.twitter.com/ClgcBmMjIw— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) December 19, 2025 Backhus, 27, pitched to a 4.62 ERA …
Phils add lefty Backhus in trade with D-backs for OF prospect
The Phillies added back some left-handed bullpen depth on Friday, acquiring reliever Kyle Backhus from the D-backs for outfield prospect Avery Owusu-Asiedu. Earlier in the day, Philadelphia had sent left-hander Matt Strahm to the Royals for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan, a move that helped clear salary for 2026 after the Phillies
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left, 44% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
