The Phillies have announced that they have acquired veteran infielder Brad Miller from the Yankees. Miller – 29 – will be joining his fourth organization this season. The former top prospect initially signed an off-season contract with the Dodgers, spent time with the Indians and then finally ended up in the Yankees system.
It was in Cleveland that Miller racked up his only MLB action of the season. He slashed .250/.325/.417 through 40 plate appearances with one home-run and four RBI’s. With New York Miller was actually producing very good numbers with AAA Scranton. He currently holds an OPS of .994 through 163 plate appearances. Though AAA stats don’t always match up, that number is nothing to sneeze at.
The Yankees probably would have kept him if they didn’t have several players returning from injury in the near future.
Though not known as much of a defender, Miller has spent time pretty much everywhere. He has lifetime MLB numbers of .240/.313/.409 with an OPS of .722. His best numbers came with the Rays in 2016 in which he clubbed 30 homers. Since then, however, he’s been a league average bat in limited action.
The Phillies will look to Miller primarily as a left-handed bat off the bench. That role was initially what Jay Bruce was acquired for but the McCutchen injury has forced him to play everyday.
The acquisition of Brad Miller likely spells the end of one of Phil Gosselin or Sean Rodriguez. They both play the same positions and provide similar output. Roman Quinn joining the team could also spell another option for Nick Williams, who has lost a tremendous amount of value this season.
The Phillies kick off a crucial series with Atlanta tonight at 7:05.