Overview
- Philadelphia acquired left-hander Kyle Backhus from the Diamondbacks for minor-league outfielder Avery Owusu-Asiedu, per reporting attributed to The Athletic.
- The addition follows a $22 million deal for Brad Keller and a trade sending Matt Strahm to the Royals for Jonathan Bowlan.
- Backhus debuted in 2025 and appeared in 32 MLB games, posting a 4.62 ERA with a 22/8 K/BB ratio and two saves.
- Across five minor-league seasons, Backhus recorded a 3.49 ERA with a 259/95 K/BB, including a 3.08 ERA and 37/10 K/BB over his final 26 innings before promotion.
- Philadelphia’s bullpen finished 2025 with a 4.27 ERA, underscoring the club’s push for additional relief depth and a left-handed option.