Phil Bickford’s career with the Los Angeles Dodgers included multiple ups and downs, and the 2023 season brought about more inconsistency.
The right-hander opened the year in the Dodgers bullpen and initially got off to a good start. He did not allow a run in seven of his 10 appearances in April and finished the month with a 3.97 ERA.
Bickford would hit a rough patch in May as he gave up at least one run in eight of his 12 games. The right-hander then missed nearly three weeks in June due to lower back tightness that required a stint on the 15-day injured list.
Bickford returned at the end of the month and looked like a different pitcher as he turned in scoreless efforts in seven consecutive outings. Bickford posted a season-best 1.59 ERA in 10 appearances that month, but saw his time with the Dodgers come to an end.
On August 1, the Dodgers traded Bickford and Adam Kolarek to the New York Mets for cash considerations. The deal came four days after Bickford was designated for assignment in order to make room on the active roster for Joe Kelly.
Bickford went 2-3 with a 5.14 ERA, 4.37 FIP, 1.52 WHIP and 10.3 strikeouts per nine in 36 games for the Dodgers during the 2023 season. He slightly fared with the Mets, going 3-2 with a 4.62 ERA, 4.60 FIP, 1.34 WHIP and 9.9 strikeouts per nine in 25 appearances.
Over parts of three seasons with the Dodgers, Bickford went 8-6 with one save, a 4.11 ERA, 4.07 FIP and 1.19 WHIP in 152 relief appearances.
Phil Bickford 2023 highlight
Bickford did not allow a run in eight innings of work from June 24-July 16, allowing just two hits with 10 strikeouts against six walks.
Bickford finished the 2023 season by allowing just one unearned run over 8.1 innings pitched with the Mets.
2024 outlook
Bickford qualified for Super 2 status and was eligible for salary arbitration this offseason. However, he and the Mets were unable to agree to a contract before the deadline, and a hearing could be necessary.
Bickford isn’t scheduled to become a free agent until after the 2027 season and figures to continue being a contributor in the Mets bullpen.
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