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Jesse Biddle
Biddle with the Orix Buffaloes
Pitcher
Born: (1991-10-22) October 22, 1991 (age 33) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Batted: LeftThrew: Left
Professional debut
MLB: April 21, 2018, for the Atlanta Braves
NPB: March 26, 2022, for the Orix Buffaloes
Last appearance
MLB: May 16, 2021, for the Atlanta Braves
NPB: August 31, 2022, for the Orix Buffaloes
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	6–2
Earned run average	5.07
Strikeouts	105
NPB statistics
Win–loss record	4-5
Earned run average	4.02
Strikeouts	45
Stats at Baseball Reference
Teams
Atlanta Braves (2018–2019) Seattle Mariners (2019) Texas Rangers (2019) Cincinnati Reds (2020) Atlanta Braves (2021) Orix Buffaloes (2022)
Career highlights and awards
Japan Series Champion (2022)

Jesse Thomas Biddle (born October 22, 1991) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He was selected in the first round of the 2010 MLB draft by the Philadelphia Phillies and played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and Cincinnati Reds. He also played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Orix Buffaloes.

Amateur career

Biddle grew up in the Mount Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and he attended Germantown Friends School, a Quaker School in the neighboring Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia. He competed in the Friends School League. As a junior, Biddle had a 5–0 win–loss record with a 0.64 earned run average (ERA) and 61 strikeouts in 33 innings pitched; in his senior year, he was 9–2 with a 1.04 ERA, striking out 140 batters in 59+1⁄3 innings.

Professional career

Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies selected Biddle in the first round, with the 27th overall pick, of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft. Although he had committed to attend the University of Oregon, he agreed to a contract with the Phillies on June 10, with a signing bonus of $1.16 million.

In his first season, he amassed a 3–1 win–loss record, 4.32 ERA, 41 strikeouts, and 9 walks in 33+1⁄3 innings pitched for the Gulf Coast League Phillies. He also pitched in three games for the Williamsport Crosscutters that year. In 2011, Biddle pitched for the Lakewood BlueClaws where he was 7–8 with a 2.98 ERA in 25 games (24 starts). That same year, Baseball America named Biddle the #2 prospect in the Phillies organization, and in 2012 Baseball America named Biddle the #1 prospect in the Phillies organization. He spent 2012 with the Clearwater Threshers where he posted a 10–6 record and 3.22 ERA in 26 starts.

On April 22, 2013, with the Reading Fightin' Phils, Biddle posted 16 strikeouts in a game in Harrisburg against the Senators, breaking the previous record of 13 for his team. He spent the whole season with Reading, going 5–14 with a 3.64 ERA in 27 starts. He began 2014 with Clearwater, and after two games where he was 2–0 with a 0.90 ERA, he was promoted back to Reading. In May of 2014, Biddle was hit by hail during a storm and dealt with headaches as a side effect, forcing him to miss a start for precautionary reasons. It was later reported to have caused a concussion that Biddle struggled pitching with - in five starts following the incident, he had an 0-5 record and accrued a 9.82 ERA. Phillies management were uncertain about the severity of the head injury but shut him down for a "mental break" in June. He finished the season in Reading, compiling a 3–10 record and 5.03 ERA in 16 games started.

Biddle began 2015 with Reading and on July 7, 2015, he was promoted to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The next day, he made his Lehigh Valley debut, giving up seven earned runs on five hits and six walks in 2+1⁄3 innings pitched. In 24 starts between the two teams, he was 9–6 with a 4.95 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. Following the 2015 season, Biddle underwent Tommy John surgery.

Atlanta Braves

On February 3, 2016, the Phillies traded Biddle to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Yoervis Medina. The Pirates designated him for assignment on March 11. Biddle was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves on March 19. He did not pitch at all in 2016 due to his Tommy John surgery. He returned in 2017 and pitched for the Mississippi Braves, compiling a 2–4 record and 2.90 ERA in 49.2 relief innings pitched. He began 2018 with the Gwinnett Stripers.

The Braves promoted Biddle to the major leagues on April 18, 2018. He debuted in relief on April 21, throwing one inning against the New York Mets, and earning the win. Biddle recorded his first major league hit, a RBI double, against the Phillies on April 29, 2018, along with pitching two scoreless innings. On May 15, 2019, he was designated for assignment after posting an ERA of 5.40 in 11+2⁄3 innings.

Seattle Mariners

Biddle was traded to the Seattle Mariners along with Arodys Vizcaino in exchange for Anthony Swarzak and cash considerations on May 20, 2019. On June 23, he was designated for assignment.

Texas Rangers

On June 28, 2019, Biddle was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers and formally placed on the roster on July 1, 2019. Biddle was placed in the injured list on July 16 due to elbow inflammation, which ended his season. Biddle was outrighted off the Rangers roster on October 31, 2019.

Cincinnati Reds

On January 17, 2020, Biddle signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds. On August 25, 2020, Biddle's contract was selected to the active roster. On October 14, 2020, Biddle was outrighted off of the 40-man roster. He elected free agency two days later on October 16. On December 11, 2020, Biddle re-signed with the Reds on a minor league contract. On March 26, 2021, Biddle was released by the Reds.

Atlanta Braves (second stint)

On April 5, 2021, Biddle signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves organization. On April 17, Biddle was selected to the active roster. After recording an 8.44 ERA in eight appearances, Biddle was designated for assignment on May 17. He was outrighted to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers on May 19. He elected free agency on October 5.

Orix Buffaloes

On December 17, 2021, Biddle signed with the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball. Biddle appeared in 35 games for Orix in 2022, pitching to a 4–5 record and 4.02 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 40.1 innings of work. He became a free agent following the season.

Arizona Diamondbacks

On January 24, 2023, Biddle signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He made 8 appearances for the Triple-A Reno Aces, but struggled immensely to a 14.29 ERA with 6 strikeouts in 5.2 innings pitched. Biddle was released by the Diamondbacks on May 2.

On June 3, 2023, Biddle announced his retirement from professional baseball.

Repertoire

Biddle's main pitch is his four-seam fastball, which he can throw up to 94 miles per hour (151 km/h), and throws comfortably in the 90–93 mph range. He has a changeup and a slider, both of which he throws in the low 80s, a 12-to-6 curveball in the low-to-mid 70s, and a two-seam fastball in the mid-to-high 80s.

Personal

Biddle grew up in Mount Airy with his parents, David and Marion, and his brothers, Sam and Conor. He was a fan of the Phillies and attended the 2008 World Series while in high school.

Biddle and his wife Annie married in October 2021.

References

1. Turkos, Joseph (June 16, 2010). "Biddle makes history with hometown Phillies". Roxborough Review. Montgomery Media. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
2. Purks, Scott (June 26, 2010). "Nobody hits Phillies prospect Biddle in his Gulf Coast League debut". Philadelphia Daily News. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
3. Ocker, Kenny (June 21, 2010). "Four Ducks, 10 recruits taken in MLB Draft". Oregon Daily Emerald. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
4. Murphy, David (June 11, 2010). "Phillies Notebook: Biddle comes to terms with Phillies, to join rookie squad". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
5. Drellich, Evan (February 3, 2011). "First-rounder Biddle preps for first full pro year". Phillies.MLB.com. Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on February 7, 2011. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
6. Berkery, Joe (May 24, 2011). "Pitching prospect Biddle setting the right pace at Lakewood". Philly.com. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
7. Raanan, Jordan (December 17, 2012). "Phillies Links: Pitcher Jesse Biddle is Philadelphia's No. 1 prospect according to Baseball America". NJ.com. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
8. Gelb, Matt (April 23, 2013). "Jesse Biddle's big night". philly.com. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
9. "Jesse Biddle hit in head by hail". ESPN.com. May 27, 2014. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
10. "Phillies pitcher Jesse Biddle bouncing back after hailstorm, concussion". 6abc.com. February 26, 2015. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
11. Baer, Bill (March 13, 2015). "Ruben Amaro, Jr. made a perplexing comment about Jesse Biddle". NBC Sports. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
12. "Jesse Biddle struggles in short Triple-A debut with IronPigs". lehighvalleylive.com. July 9, 2015. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
13. "Jesse Biddle needs Tommy John surgery". philly-archives. October 4, 2015. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
14. "Phillies trade Jesse Biddle to Pirates". Philly.com. February 3, 2016. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
15. Nesbitt, Stephen J. (March 11, 2016). "Pirates sign former World Series MVP David Freese". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
16. Bowman, Mark (March 19, 2016). "Braves claim former top prospect Biddle". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 22, 2016. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
17. "Jesse Biddle Stats, Highlights, Bio – MiLB.com Stats – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
18. Bowman, Mark (April 18, 2018). "Biddle called up by Braves; Ramirez hits DL". MLB.com. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
19. Sachs, Aimee (April 21, 2018). "Inciarte's walk-off bunt caps Braves' late rally". MLB.com. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
20. "Acuna, fellow Braves youngsters romp over Phillies 10-1". ESPN.com. April 29, 2018. Retrieved May 24, 2018.
21. Bowman, Mark (May 15, 2019). "Braves call up prospect Riley, in LF vs. Cards". MLB.com. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
22. Stecker, Brent (May 20, 2019). "Mariners trade Anthony Swarzak to Braves for relievers Jesse Biddle, Arodys Vizcaino". MyNorthwest.com. KIRO (AM).
23. Smith, Lauren (June 24, 2019). "Mariners make more bullpen swaps; Bradford transferred to 60-day IL". The News Tribune. Retrieved September 7, 2019.
24. Johns, Greg (June 23, 2019). "Seattle calls up Carasiti, Wright to bolster 'pen". MLB.com. Retrieved September 7, 2019.
25. Evan Grant (June 28, 2019). "Rangers add Seattle LHP Jesse Biddle on waiver claim, send Jeffrey Springs to 60-day injured list". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved September 7, 2019.
26. "Rangers RHP Shelby Miller designated for assignment". USA Today. Associated Press. July 1, 2019. Retrieved September 7, 2019.
27. RotoWire Staff (September 16, 2019). "Rangers' Jesse Biddle: Lands on IL". CBS Sports. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
28. Connor Byrne (August 25, 2020). "Reds Select Jesse Biddle". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
29. TC Zencka (October 14, 2020). "Reds Outright Four To Triple-A". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
30. Connor Byrne (December 11, 2020). "Minor Transactions: 12/11/20". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
31. Steve Adams (March 26, 2021). "Reds Release Dee Strange-Gordon, Jesse Biddle". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
32. "Braves ink minor league deals with Edwards, Biddle, Sanchez". Associated Press. April 5, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
33. Simon, Andrew; Bright, Sterling (April 17, 2021). "Return worth the wait for Braves' 36-year-old". MLB.com.
34. Burns, Gabriel (May 17, 2021). "Braves recall Tucker Davidson, designate Jesse Biddle for assignment". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
35. "Major League Baseball Transactions".
36. Anthony Franco (October 7, 2021). "Players Recently Electing Free Agency". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
37. Adams, Steve (December 17, 2021). "NPB's Orix Buffaloes Sign Breyvic Valera, Jesse Biddle, Jacob Waguespack". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
38. "Diamondbacks' Jesse Biddle: Catches on with Diamondbacks". cbssports.com. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
39. "Transactions".
40. "昨季オリックスに所属した助っ人左腕・ビドルが現役引退を表明 まだ３１歳 今季は３Ａで打ち込まれる（デイリースポーツ）".
41. Levine-Flandrup, Kevin (June 7, 2010). "Q&A: Phils First Rounder Jesse Biddle". Scout.com. The Cardinal Nation. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
42. Moselle, Aaron (June 17, 2010). "Phillies 1st pick, Biddle, 'couldn't ask for anything better'". The Chestnut Hill Local. Archived from the original on June 26, 2010. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
43. "Q&A: Biddle eyes Citizens Bank Park".
44. "Jesse Biddle on Instagram: "You & Us 1️⃣0️⃣ 2️⃣3️⃣ 2️⃣1️⃣ 📸 @katie_dayton"".

External links

• Media related to Jesse Biddle at Wikimedia Commons

• Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet

• 1991 births
• Living people
• Atlanta Braves players
• Baseball players from Philadelphia
• Cincinnati Reds players
• Clearwater Threshers players
• Germantown Friends School alumni
• Florida Complex League Phillies players
• Gwinnett Stripers players
• Indios de Mayagüez players
• Lakewood BlueClaws players
• Lehigh Valley IronPigs players
• Major League Baseball pitchers
• Mississippi Braves players
• Reading Fightin Phils players
• Reno Aces players
• Seattle Mariners players
• Texas Rangers players
• Williamsport Crosscutters players