Here’s a move that’s sure to spark some debate among baseball fans: the Detroit Tigers are taking a calculated risk by signing right-hander Phil Bickford to a minor league deal. But here’s where it gets interesting—this isn’t just any minor league signing. Bickford, a 30-year-old pitcher represented by Klutch Sports, is expected to join the big league camp during spring training, according to Evan Woodbery of MLive Media Group. So, what’s the big deal? Well, Bickford’s journey over the past few years has been anything but smooth, yet his potential remains intriguing.
After a couple of years in what can only be described as professional limbo, Bickford’s earlier major league performance shows promise. From 2021 to 2023, he pitched 179 2/3 innings, posting a 4.26 ERA. While his 9.5% walk rate raised eyebrows, his ability to strike out 26.6% of batters faced kept him in the conversation. But here’s the part most people miss: his 2023 season with the Mets ended in arbitration drama. Bickford, a Super Two player, filed for $900K, while the Mets countered with $815K. He won the hearing, but victory came at a cost—he lost his roster spot due to the non-guaranteed nature of arbitration salaries under the current CBA. Just over a month later, he was designated for assignment and released, with the Mets paying him $217K in termination fees.
Bickford then signed a minor league deal with the Yankees, making brief appearances in the majors before spending 2025 with the Cubs and Phillies on similar deals. Despite limited major league action recently, his minor league performance has been impressive. Since 2024, he’s thrown 96 1/3 Triple-A innings with a 3.46 ERA, a 29.3% strikeout rate, and an 8.4% walk rate. But here’s the controversial part: is Bickford’s minor league success enough to justify a roster spot in the majors?
For the Tigers, this move is virtually risk-free. By signing Bickford to a non-roster deal, they get a firsthand look at his potential without committing to a major league roster spot. Their bullpen is currently in flux, with only Kenley Jansen and Kyle Finnegan locked in as non-optionable players. If Bickford impresses, he could earn a spot, though he’s out of options. However, he could be retained for future seasons through arbitration. So, what do you think? Is Bickford a hidden gem or a risky gamble? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
Photo courtesy of Kevin Sousa, Imagn Images
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