PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to make moves this offseason, with making one surprise trade on Friday morning.
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Aug 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Kyle Backhus (43) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers win the seventh inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
According to the team, the Diamondbacks have traded left-handed pitcher Kyler Backhus to the Philadelphia Phillies for outfielder Avery Owusu-Asiedu. After only spending a few months in the desert at the major league level, the left-hander’s time with the team has come to an end.
Backhus was a vital part of the D-Backs’ bullpen towards the latter half of the season. As one of the few southpaws in the pen, Backhus posted a 4.62 ERA in 25.1 innings, with a 1.42 WHIP and 22 strikeouts.
The left-hander was also one of 17 different pitchers who recorded a save for Arizona in 2025, which was an MLB record.
BlueClaws’ Avery Owusu-Asiedu slide into home on an error. Delaware Blue Rocks have rough outing against Lakewood Blue Claws in Lakewood NJ on July 27, 2025. © Peter Ackerman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Owusu-Asiedu has been with the Phillies’ organization since 2023, when he was drafted in the ninth round of the MLB Draft. Since then, he’s spent the majority of his time developing in their minor league system.
During his time in the minors this season, Owusu-Asiedu had a .258 batting average with seven home runs, 44 RBIs and a .751 OPS.
We have made the following trade: pic.twitter.com/YnPg01y3rr
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) December 19, 2025
The trade has come with some confusion about the D-Backs’ vision for the offseason. The team needs to bolster its bullpen, and while they’ve made some moves to address pitching in the starting rotation, moving one of the few left-handers in the group seems counterintuitive.
Not only that, but Arizona’s outfielder pool has now ballooned with the addition of Owusu-Asiedu.
However, the trade could be the first piece of an even bigger plan down the road for the Diamondbacks.
Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Kyle Backhus (43) pitches to Minnesota Twins first base Kody Clemens (18) in the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
With reports of outfielders Alek Thomas and Jake McCarthy in possible deals for arms, that could help with the influx of outfielders for one of the team’s most dire needs. Owusu-Asiedu is still developing and has the chance to mold into an MLB-caliber player. Thomas and McCarthy, despite playing in the majors for a while at this point, haven’t been able to adjust.
There are still pieces the D-Backs can move to address the pitching problem, as well as not overwhelm a position with too much talent.
BlueClaws Avery Owusu-Asiedu gets a high five after scoring the first Blue Claws run. Wilmington Blue Rocks have a rough outing against Jersey Shore BlueClaws in Lakewood NJ on July 27, 2025. © Peter Ackerman/Asbury Park Press / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Snakes may be making moves now for an even bigger trade or signing in the future, even if it doesn’t seem likely at the moment.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
