Reliever Kyle Backhus hopes to make good on Bryce Harper's text message

Side-arming lefty acquired from Diamondbacks aims to earn spot in Phillies' bullpen

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:24pm

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Kyle Backhus, a 28-year-old reliever, was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Philadelphia Phillies in December. The day after the trade, Backhus received a welcoming text message from Phillies star Bryce Harper, who told him to let him know if he needed anything and that they would "go get a ring." Backhus, who has a limited big-league track record but intriguing upside as a lefty specialist, is now pitching his way onto the Phillies' Opening Day roster with a strong spring training performance.

Why it matters

The Phillies were looking to add left-handed relief depth to their bullpen, and Backhus, with his unique sidearm delivery, could provide a valuable weapon against left-handed hitters. If he makes the team, Backhus will have a chance to help the Phillies contend for a championship, as hinted at in Bryce Harper's text message.

The details

Backhus, a native Texan, spent the first few years of his professional career in the Diamondbacks organization after going undrafted out of college. He made his MLB debut with Arizona last June, posting a 4.62 ERA in 25.1 innings. Backhus credits a switch to a sidearm delivery during his first full minor-league season as the reason he made it to the big leagues, as the change unlocked more sweep on his pitches. Against left-handed hitters, Backhus was dominant, holding them to a .139 batting average and .503 OPS.

  • Backhus was traded from the Diamondbacks to the Phillies in December 2025.
  • The day after the trade, Backhus received a welcoming text message from Bryce Harper.
  • Backhus is scheduled to pitch against the New York Yankees on Sunday, March 17, 2026.
  • Opening Day for the 2026 MLB season is less than a week away.

The players

Kyle Backhus

A 28-year-old reliever who was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Philadelphia Phillies in December 2025.

Bryce Harper

A star outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies who sent Backhus a welcoming text message after the trade.

Preston Mattingly

The general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, who said the team had been looking to add left-handed relief depth and identified Backhus as a player who could help them.

Caleb Cotham

The pitching coach for the Philadelphia Phillies, who said Backhus has a "really unique look" with his sidearm delivery and has thrown the ball "incredibly well" this spring.

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What they’re saying

“It blew me away. I said to my wife, 'You won't believe who just texted me.' I still have it. Everyone here has been so welcoming.”

— Kyle Backhus, Reliever

“Our scouts and our analytics staff identified him as a guy who could help us. It's an uncomfortable at-bat for lefties and we think there's upside there against righties.”

— Preston Mattingly, General Manager

“It's a really unique look. He slings it from down under. He's had a lot of quick innings. He's thrown the ball incredibly well.”

— Caleb Cotham, Pitching Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.