Phillies Trade Jesse Biddle To Pirates

According to Jim Salisbury, the Pittsburgh Pirates are about to acquire left-handed pitcher Jesse Biddle from the Philadelphia Phillies.

Biddle, who was drafted out of high school as the 27th overall pick was designated for assignment recently, making a trade highly likely.

Pittsburgh, a haven for pitching reclamation projects in recent seasons, appears to fit that category. He had been designated for assignment, as had Medina.

With Biddle not expected to pitch in 2016 as he recovers from October Tommy John surgery, it was unlikely anyone would make a deal for the 24-year-old. Over the entirety of his six years in Philadelphia’s minor league system, Biddle carries a 4.4 BB/9 (walks per nine innings rating) while striking out 8.8 batters per nine innings. It is unknown what the Phillies will receive in return for Biddle. His struggles and subsequent elbow issues have conspired to remove him completely from any Top 100 Prospect lists. If Biddle passed through waivers unclaimed he could have been outrighted to the minors. That said, the Pirates might be the best developmental organization for pitchers, so this is an ideal spot for Biddle to try to salvage his professional career.