Braves right-hander Shelby Miller could be a good fit for the Rockies, but a lot of teams are interested in the 25-year-old starter.
(The Associated Press)
The Rockies need starting pitching. The Braves might, and I emphasize might be willing to trade 25-year-old right-hander Shelby Miller if the price is right.
A match made in heaven? Perhaps.
I know for a fact that the Rockies really like Miller, but a major-league source told me Thursday that the Rockies have not spoken to the Braves regarding any trades “in a while.”
Many other teams, however, are reportedly in hot pursuit. the Diamondbacks and Giants are two of 20 teams that are said to have expressed interest in Miller.
Why has Miller become such a hot commodity? After all, he posted a 6-17 record with the woeful Braves last season. But that’s only a small part of the story. Miller had a 3.02 ERA and has three years remaining before he becomes a free agent.
The Braves, therefore, are asking for a lot in return. According to Heyman, Atlanta asked the Yankees for top young right-hander Luis Severino in their talks. The Braves are also said to want young outfielder Marcell Ozuna, who’s available, plus more from the Marlins.
In general, the Braves are seeking to upgrade their offense. Would Carlos Gonzalez be on their wish list? With just two years left on his contract at $37 million, I doubt it. Left fielder Corey Dickerson and some other prospects would make more sense.
Right now, however, the Rockies do not appear to be in the Miller derby. But that could certainly change in the coming days or at next week’s winter meetings in Nashville.
Tags: Carlos Gonzalez, Corey Dickerson, Shelby Miller
