Seth Vigdor
The Phillies continue to make deals. They’ve announced that they’ve acquired right handed pitcher Yoervis Medina from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for left-handed pitcher Jesse Biddle.
#Phillies have acquired RHP Yoervis Medina from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for LHP Jesse Biddle.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 3, 2016
Medina is the second pitcher that the Phillies have acquired from the Pirates in the offseason. They already acquired Charlie Morton back in December.
Biddle will miss the entire 2016 season after getting Tommy John surgery in September. He was one of the team’s top prospects after being drafted in 2010, and is also a Philly native.
Biddle’s outlook was strong until he suffered a rash of injuries, culminating in him being sent home from the team after suffering a concussion during a hailstorm. He was eventually placed on waivers last Friday and went unclaimed.
If Jesse Biddle achieves his big league dreams, it won’t be with his hometown team. The Phillies on Wednesday traded Biddle to the Pirates for right-hander Yoervis Medina.
The Phillies designated Biddle for assignment Friday to make room for left-handed relief pitcher Bobby LaFromboise, whom they claimed off waivers from the Angels. The Phillies selected Biddle, 24, in the first round of the 2010 Draft, but the prospect had Tommy John surgery in September and will miss the entire ’16 season.
Biddle, who grew up in Philadelphia and attended Germantown Friends School, went 40-45 with a 3.81 ERA in 133 appearances (132 starts) in six Minor League seasons. But after being designated for assignment, the Phillies had 10 days to trade, release or waive him.
The Pirates have done well taking chances on pitchers who have struggled or battled injuries. They no doubt feel like they can tap into Biddle’s talents once he is healthy and pitching again.
Medina, 27, is 10-9 with a 3.08 ERA in 146 appearances in his career with the Mariners and Cubs. He will be in Spring Training as a non-roster invitee.
Ever since new General Manager Matt Klentak was brought in, this team has been wheeling and dealing. The future is starting to look bright for this team.
[Editor’s note: I agree with Seth that the future is looking good, but I would’ve loved to see Biddle become a star pitcher with this team. The hometown kid growing up in the hometown farm system and becoming a champion eventually. That’s the ending I wanted.]