Earlier this offseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks weren’t too keen on trading starting pitcher Wade Miley. But now? They’re apparently trying to shed more payroll, and Miley has been made available.
The Arizona #Dbacks are now trying to reduce payroll to $90 million; listening to offers for Wade Miley.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 10, 2014
Miley is a pretty damn good pitcher. He’s 28, and still under control for three more seasons (including 2015, his first year of arbitration eligibility). In 2014, his ERA rose to 4.34, but his 3.98 FIP was identical to his 2013 mark, and his 3.50 xFIP was a career low. In 201 1/3 innings, Miley struck out 183 and walked 75.
However, in his career away from Chase Field, Miley has pitched to a 3.31 ERA, a full run lower than his mark at home. If a team with a less hitter-friendly home ballpark acquires him, that move could pay huge dividends. Now, who would be interested in Miley? Well, the interest has been deemed “significant”, and the Red Sox and Marlins (among others) have engaged Arizona in talks for his services.
The offers #DBacks are getting for Miley are substantial enough that possibility of a deal has increased, sources tell me and @jonmorosi.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 10, 2014
#RedSox, #Marlins among teams in active discussions with #DBacks on Wade Miley, sources tell me and @jonmorosi.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 10, 2014
The Marlins would be an excellent fit for Miley – they’ve got the prospects to make a deal (as do the Red Sox, of course), and Marlins Park does a great job at suppressing home runs. Miami needs a starting pitcher or two, and Miley would absolutely fit the bill.