Bickford bolsters Chicago’s relief depth heading into the 2025 campaign after making eight unremarkable relief appearances last season for the Mets, finishing with a bloated 8.64 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 6/1 K/BB ratio across 8 1/3 innings of work. The 29-year-old journeyman right-hander holds a serviceable 4.62 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 210/73 K/BB ratio across 189 innings (187 appearances) in the big leagues dating back to 2020.

Bickford can opt for free agency if he’d like. He was DFA’d on Saturday after giving up eight earned runs in 8 1/3 innings for the Yankees.

Bickford loses his spot on New York’s 40-man roster with both Clark Schmidt and Ian Hamilton returning from the injured list ahead of Saturday’s game at Wrigley Field. The 29-year-old righty made eight relief appearances for the Yankees after being brought up back in late August.

Bickford is back on the roster with Michael Tonkin being designated for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster and active group. Bickford will be a middle-inning option for the New York bullpen while he’s with the team.