Phillies rumors: Team interested in Mike Minor and Andrew Miller
By John Town
As the Phillies look to add to both their bullpen and rotation, the team has expressed interest in free agent Andrew Miller and Mike Minor of the Rangers.
Despite missing out on Patrick Corbin and J.A. Happ, the Phillies remain interested in adding lefties to their pitching staff this offseason. They are looking at options for both the rotation and the bullpen, and a new name has emerged in their search.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports reported Friday night that Philadelphia has talked to Rangers about acquiring seven-year veteran Mike Minor. In addition, Passan stated that the team remains interested in Andrew Miller, who they have already been linked to often this offseason.
Up to this point, Minor has not been brought up as a potential option for the Phils. Passan notes that Minor could pitch either in the bullpen or the rotation.
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Minor spent 2017 in the bullpen for the Royals and found new life after missing two major-league seasons. He finished the year with a 2.55 ERA, 1.017 WHIP, and 4.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 65 appearances. Minor signed a three-year deal with the Rangers last offseason and moved back to the rotation, posting a 4.18 ERA, 116 ERA+, and 4.43 fielding-independent pitching in 28 starts.
A possible trade for Minor likely wouldn’t cost much. He did okay as a starter in 2018 but is likely better served as a reliever. He could be worth a mid-tier prospect or two, but the team should not have to give up any of their top prospects.
Turning towards Miller, Passan is confirming a notion that other reporters have already brought up since the winter meetings. Miller is coming off his worst season since 2011, but he remains one of the top relievers available in free agency. If the team feels that Miller’s injury issues this year were a fluke, he could make a huge impact in 2019.
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As this offseason progresses, it’s clear you’ll never be quite sure what the team is up to as they look to improve.