Former 1st-Round Pick Elects Free Agency After DFA By Yankees

Phil Bickford has elected free agency following his designation for assignment by the New York Yankees. 

After clearing waivers, Bickford chose free agency over an outright assignment. The right-hander had signed a minor league contract with the Yankees in early April after being released by the New York Mets at the end of spring training. 

During his stint with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Bickford impressed with a 2.93 ERA over 27.2 innings.

However, Bickford struggled to replicate his minor league success in the majors. In five innings with the Yankees, he allowed nine runs on eight hits and a walk. 

While he began with two scoreless appearances, his subsequent outings were challenging, including a rough game against the Toronto Blue Jays where he gave up five runs and did not manage to complete a full inning. 

Over his five-year career, Bickford holds a 4.70 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, with 208 strikeouts across 185.2 innings and 184 appearances.

At 28 years old and soon to be 29, Bickford is expected to attract interest for another minor league deal.

Bickford is a former first-round pick (18th overall) by the San Francisco Giants in the 2015 MLB Draft.

Photo Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports