Detroit Tigers Sign Veteran Right-Hander Shelby Miller to One-Year Contract
ICARO Media Group
The Detroit Tigers have announced the signing of veteran right-handed pitcher Shelby Miller to a one-year contract. The deal, worth a guaranteed $3 million, includes a club option for 2025 worth $4.25 million and a $250,000 buyout. The contract is still pending a physical, but Miller is in Detroit for his examination, and the agreement is expected to become official soon.
Miller, represented by Excel Sports Management, had an impressive season with the 2023 Dodgers, posting a remarkable 1.71 earned run average in 42 innings over 36 appearances. He primarily worked as a reliever, with 35 relief outings and one start. The 33-year-old recorded a strong strikeout rate of 25.8% while maintaining a walk rate of 11.7%. Keeping the ball on the ground at a 37.4% rate, just below the league average, Miller showcased a newly implemented splitter that proved difficult for opposing batters.
Before the 2023 season, Miller had rarely used the splitter throughout his career. However, last season he threw the pitch 26.2% of the time, achieving remarkable results. Opponents struggled against the pitch, hitting just .136/.191/.250, and Miller finished off 47 plate appearances with his splitter, showcasing its effectiveness. Statcast revealed that the pitch had an expected opponents' batting average of .170 and an expected slugging percentage of .274.
Miller's impressive performance in 2023 marked a return to form after various struggles and injuries since his debut in 2011. Initially drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals as the 19th overall pick in the 2009 draft, Miller showed immense promise in his early years. He continued to impress with a 3.22 ERA in his first 575 1/3 big league innings but faced challenges after being traded to the Atlanta Braves and then to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Following Tommy John surgery in 2017, Miller had to battle adversity to resurrect his career. Now, in his mid-30s, he seems to have found new life as a quality bullpen arm. While mostly used in middle relief by the Dodgers last season, Miller may find himself in more high-leverage situations with the Tigers, potentially taking on a setup role behind right-handers Alex Lange and Jason Foley and lefty Andrew Chafin.
Miller's signing adds to the Tigers' successful offseason, which has seen the team acquire notable veterans like Kenta Maeda and Jack Flaherty to bolster their pitching staff. Additionally, the Tigers picked up outfielder and designated hitter Mark Canha and re-signed left-handed setup option Andrew Chafin. With further additions still possible, the Tigers are hoping to build a competitive roster around their young players and make a run in the weak American League Central division.
Overall, the Tigers' latest addition of Shelby Miller strengthens their bullpen and further solidifies their chances of contention in the upcoming 2024 season.
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