We’ve got a familiar name making his way back to the desert! Shelby Miller, the former Atlanta Braves National League All-Star, is reuniting with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a minor league deal.
According to Robert Murray of Fansided, Miller’s contract includes an invite to spring training, giving him a shot to crack the big-league roster.
With the way the D-backs are loading up this offseason, it’s going to be a battle worth watching.
A Well-Traveled MLB Career
Miller, now 34, was a first-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals back in 2009, straight out of the Texas high school ranks.
He made his big-league debut in 2012 with St. Louis before embarking on a baseball odyssey that’s seen him pitch for the Braves, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Cubs, Pirates, Giants, Dodgers, and Tigers. That’s nine different teams in 13 seasons—a well-traveled vet if there ever was one.
Of course, D-backs fans will remember Miller’s first stint in Arizona, which didn’t exactly go as planned. He arrived in a blockbuster trade with the Atlanta Braves before the 2016 season, but injuries and struggles on the mound made it a rough ride.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and Miller is back—this time as a reliever, a role he’s really settled into over the past few years.
Reinventing Himself in the Bullpen
His transition from starter to bullpen arm wasn’t exactly smooth sailing initially, but he found his groove with the Dodgers in 2023, posting a stellar 1.71 ERA in 36 games.
Last season, he played a key role for the Detroit Tigers, winning six games and helping them reach the American League playoffs, though his 4.53 ERA showed some inconsistency.
Becoming a reliever full-time after the 2020 season seemed to extend Miller’s career, and his ability to provide quality innings out of the bullpen makes him an intriguing depth piece for any team.
If he can recapture some of that Dodgers magic, the D-backs may have found a valuable veteran arm.
A Competitive Bullpen Battle in Arizona
Now, Miller is looking to carve out a role in the Diamondbacks’ bullpen, which figures to be a key piece of their playoff aspirations.
Arizona has already made waves this offseason, bringing in former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, so expectations are high.
If Miller can prove he’s still got plenty left in the tank, he could be a solid addition to a team that’s aiming to compete in a loaded National League.
Will this second stint in Arizona be a redemption story for Miller? That remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—he’s got the experience, the perseverance, and another opportunity.
Let’s see what he does with it.
