D-Backs acquire Shelby Miller in trade with Braves

The Arizona Diamondbacks are the surprising winners of the Shelby Miller sweepstakes.

The Shelby Miller sweepstakes finally appears to be over, and the winners? The Arizona Diamondbacks.

On Tuesday, the Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves agreed to a trade for the 25-year old starting pitcher who made his first All-Star team in 2015:

The Braves have been shopping Miller throughout the offseason. Miller has mainly been connected to the big market teams, the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, so a trade to the Diamondbacks comes as a legitimately pleasant surprise.

Miller eclipsed 200 innings pitched for the first time in his career last season. He also set a career high in strikeouts with 171 and career-low in ERA (3.02). Miller’s 6-17 record — which led MLB in losses — was more a product of the Braves not being a very good team more so than his pitching performances.

After struggling to stick the St. Louis Cardinals rotation, Miller and outfielder Jason Heyward were swapped last offseason. The Braves got exactly what they were looking for, but are in a need for a rebuild, so just like Adrelton Simmons was sent to the Angels in November, Miller was sent packing now.

The Diamondbacks are going for it in 2016. The Diamondbacks finalized a six-year, $206.5 million contract with Zack Greinke, locking up their ace. Miller will slot in right behind Greinke as the team’s No. 2 starter for 2016.

Led by an offense with perennial MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt and breakout hitter A.J. Pollock — who the Braves wanted in a trade, but ultimately didn’t get — the Diamondbacks, on paper, look to be an improved, possibly playoff, bunch heading into next season.