Was the 2018 season a sign that 33-year-old Andrew Miller is on the road to pitching ruin? Miller’s numbers were considerably “off” from what is expected of the remarkable set-up man with a 4.24 ERA being his career highest since exclusively working out of the bullpen. Or maybe it was a series of injuries?
Miller relies on two pitches – a fastball and slider with his slider being one of the best in the game. In 2018 Miller returned to a form that was thought to have been eradicated – walks. Miller’s 4.2 BB/9 was his highest since 2013 (5.0 BB/9). Miller’s 8.2 H/9 also represented a career-high since leaving starting (thankfully) behind.
Miller was the one free agent I would have focused on after his trade to Baltimore. Miller had proven himself in Boston and later in Baltimore, New York, and certainly Cleveland. As a postseason pitcher, Miller has likewise been outstanding, but last season presents the danger and also impacts value. Then there is the shoulder impingement that ended Miller’s 2018 making Miller a high-risk signing.
VERDICT: Avoid