Shelby Miller drawing interest from Giants and Dodgers
Atlanta Braves pitcher Shelby Miller has been drawing interest from the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Could the Braves trade him?
The Braves traded star outfielder Jason Heyward to the St. Louis Cardinals and in return they got a potential future ace in Shelby Miller. The Braves could move Miller just one year after getting him.
The Braves have put him on the trade market and the Dodgers and Giants have both expressed interest in the young pitcher.
Since Shelby Miller's name first emerged in the trade market, the Giants and Dodgers have checked in on his availability.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 19, 2015
Miller had a rough season in 2014 for the Cardinals with a 3.74 ERA after a stellar 2013 rookie season. He bounced back in Atlanta. He finished the 2015 season with a career-best 3.02 ERA in 205 1/3 innings despite finishing with a 6-17 record.
It makes little sense for the Braves to shop someone like Shelby Miller. The Braves are rebuilding around young starting pitching. That much is obvious, especially after the Andrelton Simmons trade, which got them prized pitching prospect Sean Newcomb in return. On the other hand, perhaps the Braves are looking to trade Miller while his value is likely at the highest point that it will ever be at.
The Dodgers have an extremely deep farm system and some intriguing players to offer Atlanta. One move that could make sense is outfielder Yasiel Puig for Miller. Both sides might need to include a little bit more, but that’s a pretty good starting point for a Shelby Miller trade. The Dodgers are looking to upgrade their rotation even if they manage to re-sign Zack Greinke. The Braves desperately need some impact bats. Puig’s character may be questionable at best. What’s unquestionable is his talent. Puig is extremely talented, but he might be the odd man out in the Dodgers outfield.
The Giants could offer the Braves someone like second baseman Joe Panik. Brandon Belt would be an option, but the Braves already have Freddie Freeman so that move likely doesn’t make sense unless the Braves trade Freeman (which is possible). It’s assumed that third baseman Matt Duffy would be off the table in discussions.