For the second time this season, the New York Yankees have signed former Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Phil Bickford to a major league contract. Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented on Bickford’s performance, noting, “He’s been doing a good job and has the potential to provide us with a couple of innings if needed. There were other options considered, but he seemed like the right choice at this moment.”
Bickford initially joined the Yankees on a minor league deal in April. After being promoted to the major league roster in late June, he struggled with a 14.40 ERA over five innings across five games before being designated for assignment. Following his clearance of waivers in July, he opted for free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A. Now, after nearly two months as a free agent, he is set to return to the Yankees.
Although Bickford’s recent major league performance has been lackluster, he demonstrated strong form at the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate this season, which gave the team the confidence to offer him a guaranteed contract. Since Bickford is out of minor league options, the Yankees would need to designate him for assignment if they wish to send him back to Triple-A.
Bickford has pitched in parts of five major league seasons, with his best performance occurring in 2021, when he recorded a 2.81 ERA over 51.1 relief innings with the Brewers and Dodgers. He was traded to the Mets by Los Angeles last season.
In a related move, the Yankees designated Michael Tonkin for assignment, a decision that came as a surprise given his recent consistency.
“It’s a tough decision,” Boone said. “Tonk has been excellent for us and a great teammate. It was a difficult choice.”
Tonkin, who was claimed off waivers from the Mets on April 26, went 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA in 39 appearances with the Yankees. He started strong with a 1.84 ERA in his first 22 appearances, but struggled towards the end, posting a 5.74 ERA in his last 17 outings.
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