The Pirates look to reclaim another pitcher:
Confirming @MattGelb Jesse Biddle traded. He is headed to Pirates, source says. Not sure of return at this point
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) February 3, 2016
Biddle, 24, was designated for assignment last week by the Phillies, who’ve decided to move on from the former first round pick. The lefty underwent Tommy John surgery in October, so he’s out for 2016, but the Pirates will rehab him and see if they can unlock his ability in 2017 and beyond.
[adinserter block=”2″]For years, Biddle was one of the Phillies top prospects, and put up some excellent numbers in the minors. He was a consensus top 100 prospect in 2012, 2013, and 2014. The talent is undeniable, and the Pirates are probably among the best teams to try and unlock it. Still, they’ll have to keep him on the 40-man roster now if they want to keep him, since it appears that sneaking him through waivers could be tricky.
I doubt the Pirates gave up a significant return to get Biddle, but they might have to send a lower-level, low-upside type prospect. It’s possible it’ll just be cash, though.
UPDATE: And, sure enough, it’s a low-upside guy – a familiar one:
#Phillies have acquired RHP Yoervis Medina from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for LHP Jesse Biddle.
— Phillies (@Phillies) February 3, 2016
Medina was waived by the Cubs earlier this offseason and grabbed by the Pirates.