After a successful 2019 season with the Philadelphia Phillies — slugging 12 home runs in 118 at-bats — Brad Miller signed with the St. Louis Cardinals for the 2020 season.
To fans’ surprise, the Phillies brought back Miller on a one-year deal this past offseason. Now, nearly two months into the season, Miller has been one of the bright spots in an otherwise mediocre season.
Brad Miller has been among the few bright spots of the 2021 Phillies offense.
Much of the problems stem from injury issues that have cost numerous key players significant time. Bryce Harper, Didi Gregorius, Jean Segura, and J.T. Realmuto have missed a combined 65 games. Now, the Phillies will be without Roman Quinn with a severe Achilles tendon injury.
Looking at overall team statistics, the Phillies entered Sunday batting just .232 with a weak .683 OPS. They are 19th in runs scored, 21st in home runs, third in most strikeouts, and 21st in OPS. Miller has been one of the few Phillies having very good offensive seasons. Despite a high strikeout rate, he is batting .304 with five home runs and nine extra-base hits in 102 at-bats. His .866 OPS is second on the team behind only Harper (.884).
Miller has shown versatility. While not a great fielder, he’s held his own in left field, right field, third base, and first base. He’s even played second base in a pinch. With the Phillies’ offensive woes, Miller should be given the chance to play nearly every day. He can spell Alec Bohm, Rhys Hoskins, and Andrew McCutchen, while seeing time in right field until Harper returns.
Miller hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2017. When in the lineup every day, he put up big numbers with 29 doubles and 30 home runs a year prior. Of course, Miller is years older and isn’t used to the grind of playing four or more times per week.
With the way the Phils offense has failed to produce, what do they have to lose? Miller could be the spark they need. With the woeful output for much of the season, they might as well give it a shot. Maybe “Bamboo Brad” can come to the rescue.