Just hours after sending Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals, the Philadelphia Phillies completed another move that bolstered their bullpen.
The Trade
The club announced it acquired left‑handed reliever Kyle Backhus from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for minor‑league outfielder Avery Owusu‑Asiedu. Backhus, 27, is a direct replacement for Strahm in terms of role, but the Phillies emphasized that the acquisition was more about adding depth and a unique arm angle than about a one‑to‑one performance swap.
Backhus’ 2025 Season
During his rookie year, Backhus appeared in 32 games, pitching 25 1/3 innings and posting a 4.62 earned‑run average. He recorded 10 holds and showed flashes of effectiveness. What stood out most was his delivery.
Unorthodox Arm Slot
Backhus throws from an unorthodox three‑quarter arm slot. Baseball Savant reports that his release point is 7.2 feet from the mound, placing him in the top four percent of all pitchers in the league. His arm angle is measured at 9 degrees, giving the Phillies bullpen a different look from the left side.
Pitching Profile
Backhus is not a power arm. His sinker averaged 91 mph in 2025, which is in the bottom nine percent of the league. Nevertheless, he limited hard contact, grading well above average in both barrel rate and hard‑hit percentage.
Effectiveness vs. Left‑Handed Batters
Against left‑handed hitters, Backhus held them to a .139 batting average and a .503 on‑base plus slugging (OPS). The Phillies’ press release noted that this average ranked fifth among the 91 left‑handed relievers who faced at least 40 left‑handed batters.
Roster Impact
With the acquisition, Backhus became the 38th player on the Phillies’ 40‑man roster and carries three minor‑league options. The move adds a new arm to the bullpen ahead of spring training and increases competition among relief pitchers.
Who Was Traded Away?
Owusu‑Asiedu, 22, was a Philadelphia draft pick in the ninth round of the 2023 MLB Draft. He spent 2025 between Single‑A Clearwater and High‑A Jersey Shore, posting a .752 on‑base plus slugging (OPS). The 6‑foot‑4, 230‑pound outfielder improved his plate discipline, achieving a .366 on‑base percentage. His speed is a key asset; he stole 33 bases in 38 attempts.
Second Trade Friday
A second trade on Friday added another bullpen option to the Phillies’ roster. The organization is continuing to add relief depth and competition heading into spring training, underscoring the front office’s focus on building a robust bullpen for the upcoming season.
Key Takeaways
- The Phillies acquired left‑handed reliever Kyle Backhus from the Diamondbacks for minor‑league outfielder Avery Owusu‑Asiedu.
- Backhus posted a 4.62 ERA, 10 holds, and a 7.2‑foot release point in 32 appearances during his rookie 2025 season.
- Owusu‑Asiedu, a 2023 ninth‑round pick, finished 2025 with a .752 OPS and 33 stolen bases.
- The trade adds depth to the Phillies’ bullpen and increases competition ahead of spring training.
The move reflects the Phillies’ strategy of acquiring specialized arms to diversify their bullpen options while also developing young talent in the minor leagues.
