Backhus played college baseball at Sam Houston State from 2017 to 2021. He signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks as an undrafted free agent on July 20, 2021.[1] Backhus split his first professional season between the High-A Visalia Rawhide and High-A Hillsboro Hops. He split the 2022 campaign between the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles and Hillsboro, accumulating a 3-5 record and 3.27 ERA with 78 strikeouts and six saves in 52+1⁄3 innings pitched over 40 games.[2]
Backhus split the 2023 season between Amarillo and the Triple-A Reno Aces. In 51 appearances out of the bullpen for the two affiliates, he posted a combined 5-5 record and 3.67 ERA with 76 strikeouts and 10 saves across 68+2⁄3 innings pitched.[3] Backhus made 38 appearances for Reno and the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Diamondbacks in 2024, compiling an aggregate 2-3 record and 3.79 ERA with 44 strikeouts and one save across 35+2⁄3 innings pitched.[4]
Backhus began the 2025 season with Triple-A Reno, posting a 4-4 record and 2.22 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 24+1⁄3 innings pitched across 22 appearances.[5] On June 8, 2025, Backhus was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[6] He made 32 appearances for the Diamondbacks during his rookie campaign, compiling an 0-3 record and 4.62 ERA with 22 strikeouts and two saves over 25+1⁄3 innings pitched.
Philadelphia Phillies
On December 19, 2025, Backhus was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Avery Owusu-Asiedu.[7]
