3:27pm: The deal is “believed” to guarantee Miller $2MM, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweets.
3:10pm: The Cardinals announced Wednesday that they’ve signed infielder/outfielder Brad Miller to a one-year, Major League contract. Right-hander Jordan Hicks, who is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, was transferred to the 60-day injured list to open a spot on the 40-man roster. Miller is represented by ISE Baseball.
Miller, 30, split the 2019 season between the Indians and Phillies, turning in a particularly productive showing with the latter. In an admittedly limited sample of 130 plate appearances, Miller slashed .263/.331/.610 with a dozen home runs, three doubles and a triple. With the exception of the 2017 season, Miller has been a roughly average or better bat each season dating back to 2015, by measure of OPS+ and wRC+. In that time, he’s logged a combined .241/.318/.431 line.
Defense hasn’t been Miller’s strong point, however. While he’s appeared at every spot on the diamond outside of pitcher and catcher, Miller doesn’t have particularly strong ratings at any of them. But he’s nevertheless a versatile piece to add to manager Mike Shildt’s bench — one who has been particularly impactful against right-handed pitching. The St. Louis organization has long been reported to be seeking a left-handed bat, and while Miller isn’t exactly a high-profile means of satisfying that need, he’s been solid in a platoon role each season beyond the aforementioned 2017 campaign.
Well well…. Our season is salvaged…smh
Not a flashy move, but I like it. At least he’s still got pop against RHP.
Don’t the Cardinals already have this guy in Tommy Edman? To say that he is an outfielder is a bit misleading. He’s played in the outfield 18 games over the last 4 years.
Why chase these guys with marginal stats when the team clearly needs a second player with offensive punch? We were weak on offense before we lost 2 of our most productive offensive bats. Now we are in trouble and the owner / F.O. are content to chase DFA,s. It sure doesn’t appear that they want to even get into the post season, let alone be a strong contender there. For a team with this kind of history and fan support not to mention wealth in cash and trade bait to not be more aggressive is hard to grasp let alone accept. We could add a guy like Arenado and be a serious post season threat for years to come. Yet we take a pass on him and Moustakis, both of who would increase our offensive punch and add to our defense at 3rd. Why?? These decisions are setting the team up for a second or more likely 3rd place finish in 2020.
It’s the Reds turn to win.
Look like the Cardinals ownership handing the division to the new improved Reds to win Central. I am a Cards fan just being honest.
you right
Edman isn’t left-handed and has never played shortstop. Miller is lefthanded and is okay at short (outside a terrible year in 2016, when he was a starter). He’s a bench player with some good power.
It’s a bench signing, for a bench that had some holes poked in it when Jose Martinez was traded. Martinez was worth -0.3 WAR last year; Miller was worth 1.4 WAR. Remember that the rosters will carry 26 players next season and teams are allowed only 13 pitchers. Miller is a better option than either Yairo Munoz (-0.4 WAR) or Rangel Ravelo (-0.1 WAR),. Neither are lefties, and neither one can really play short, especially Ravelo, who’s only halfway decent at first.
Edman is a switch hitter.
Do you know anything about Edman? He bats switch, not RH, and played SS all his college years and plenty in the low minors. He picked up other positions as he moved higher up to get more versatility. He isn’t a gold glove shortstop but he can handle the position.
Obviously billydaking doesn’t know anything about Tommy Edman – he has played SAs for most of his life including the minors and he is a switch hitter.
SS*
Haha billy is going to have to change his display name so he can join the comment section again – lol !
No, I own up my mistakes. I forgot Edman was a switch hitter.. It happens after you past the half century mark.
However, my impression was that the Cardinals didn’t see Edman as a primary option for shortstop at the major league level. In 669.1 innings last season, he did not appear at short, and reports from spring training indicate that he’s focusing on working out at short to see if he can back up DeJong.. in last year’s prospects ranking, Fangraphs called Edman’s defense at short “just passable” while above average at 2nd base, and the Cardinals may view Edman as a supersub who will be needed more elsewhere.
Miller is not okay at shortstop or second base or third base,he has the range of a fire hydrant.
He’s a less mobile and less productive Matt Carpenter.
The Cardinals do not view Tommy Edman as a bench player. Edman will probably start 100+ games in 2019, assuming his performance last year was not a flash in the pan.
Miller replaces Munoz, who was terrible even for a bench player last year. He’s an upgrade over Munoz by far.
Not a star by any means, but a scrappy bench guy.
Scrappy AKA white
Huh?
I’m ur huckleberry, let’s talk race fool
What are you even talking about?
Calling out someone for being white AKA Pinko leftist bull$h!+…
Who was “called out for being white”? Pretty sure the guy was just saying the term “scrappy” is almost always used to describe a white guy. Which is true. But that’s ok, I’m sure your friends at Stormfront would rather hear your version.
You must be another. Review previous threads and the responses from said huckster & you’ll figure it out real quick. If not, I can’t help ya…
Wow. Isn’t every thinking person beyond tired of this race crap. Sports is all about results whatever your color, People on the left lie and claim they want a “colorblind society” and to achieve this they constantly point out color, count it, dissect it, blather about it. It’s absurd on it’s face.
Looks like this leaves Munoz as the odd man out. Hopefully he can be packaged in some sort of trade, he’s definitely got major league value for someone. Should be an upgrade overall.
Munoz and a prospect for Joc Pederson ?
Either that or as part of a package for Arenado. Either one would upgrade this offense quite a bit
Payne, agree.. that’s what they need to do. Get the lefty power bat in the line up
Joc’s avg is .233 on base of .323 why?
He has a .571 SLG and .920 OPS against right handed pitchers. That’s why.
He was 27% better than league average with the bat last year, even more so if you take out his at bats against left handed pitchers.
2019
.249avg .339obp .538slg 36hr 77rbi 111 k
.260avg .346obp .538g 34hr 97rbi 166k
Not a huge difference between Goldschmidt and pederson.. dmarcus
Lefty power bat plays all three outfield spots and IB..
Goldschmidt makes slugging was .476
His career is .524 and over.290 avg so clearly last year was not the norm for him. New team and first time traded. Let’s hope for the guy who was an NL All Star 6 straight years before the Cards got him.
Munoz still has options. Derrick Goold in his podcast the other day talked about how the Cardinals feel that he was rushed and may want him back in Memphis to get his development back on track.
Trading guys who’s trade value is depressed is never a good thing, as the Cardinals have found out with Tommy Pham and Mike Leake.
Munoz is below replacement everywhere. He has 0 trade value as a throw in or otherwise. He should be nowhere near our roster and not even worth having at AAA because there’s no upside there.
He had a decent 2019. He was cheap. Not a bad signing.
takes over for Munoz and hits lefty. nice pickup
Likely a replacement for Ravelo.
Thats the problem.. They dont need another scrappy bench guy, they NEED a star…
Doesn’t mean they can’t upgrade their roster with non-star players, it doesn’t have to be one or the other.
This could also be the precursor to a trade for said star player if one of their other utility guys is on the move.
Stan Lee – I would Like (in-fact) love for the Cards to make a sensible trade for Pederson. However, I wouldn’t expect them to do it. I feel Mo really thinks it’s time to find out what his young outfielders have, and if they aren’t pulling their weight by the trade deadline then he will pursue a trade. I can only hope this isn’t his mindset, but I kind of feel like it is. Just like he was content with the young guys ability and getting the draft pick versus resigning Ozuna. I’m kinda with him on that. I would love to have Pederson’s 36 home runs against right handing pitching and platoon him with O’Neil or Thomas. I do believe Pederson is a free agent after this season, so a gap year and a platoon might be a great idea. I wish he would make this happen. Maybe they are????
They got a star last year. How did that go?
How did it go for the Phillies and Padres?
Let the friggin kids play.
Ty Wiggington again. At least DeWitt didn’t sign him for 5 years.
Welcome to the Cardinals.
Nightmare
Nightmare season
by far our best bench guy last year…sadly. nevertheless, good guy and good hitter. should’ve brought him back.
No we lost our best player :(
Bringing the bamboo to St Louie
This guy hits homers without wearing batting gloves. Decent in the field too. Fun guy to have on the bench.
We already have a guy who doesn’t wear batting gloves. lol
Cardinals planning batting glove givaways with these 2 on the commercials or something?
That would be great! Bench depth is always important. Not like the Cards spent a ton here.
Damn, will miss you Bamboo. Great bat for the Cardinals who should fill in nicely. I imagine this puts pressure on Carpenter, and hopefully doesn’t take away ABs from the promising Edman.
Mozeliak finally made his big offseason move.
If you dig in trash cans long enough, eventually your find a nice three ring binder.
And they say Dewitt didn’t want to make a big off-season move. Checkmate Dodgers
I loved hearing the positive platitudes from Bill about the 34 year old Carp bouncing back on the heels of giving up on the 29 year old Ozuna. The cynical me would say it has more to do with being stuck with Carp than on any real belief he will reverse the slide.
Welp maybe that’s because Marp is a much better hitter and player for his career than Ozuna and has had exactly 1 down year with the bat (last year) since he came into the league. He was still only 15% worse of a hitter than Ozuna’s “coveted” offense last year by WRC+. Marp, if healthy, will be better than Ozuna this year. Ozuna is a 2.5 WAR player with 1 outlier offensive year and his defense is increasingly terrible at the lowest position on the defensive spectrum.
Trade coming soon……
I’m assuming so too. Hopefully munoz, who I like, worried its edman. Unless it’s for Arenado I hope edman doesnt go anywhere.
Yeah, me too. Everytime the Red Birds do something I am afraid Edman will be moved. Nobody realizes how good he is.
Spud,
Sure agree there. Edman is not just a very promising rookie, his fine play (all around) and demeanor have made him a fan favorite …and he’s controllable for a while. Things don’t get much better unless they start talking seriously about getting a Arenado. Even then they should think twice if he keeps that opt out clause.
92 games you have him all figured out? Got it.
Sure agree there. Edman is not just a very promising rookie, his fine play (all around) and demeanor have made him a fan favorite …and he’s controllable for a while. Things don’t get much better unless they start talking seriously about getting a Arenado. Even then they should think twice if he keeps that opt out clause.
Upset the Phillies didn’t bring him back, I really wanted them to. I like him more than Forsythe..
Agree totally
Hoping this is a precursor to acquiring pederson.
Cool, sort of like a left-handed Gyorko. Didn’t realize Miller got so much OF time last year.
He didn’t …
12 starts, 104 innings; by far the most time he’s spent in the OF since 2015 and second most of his career. K…
Twelve games? That’s it?
Why? We don’t need another utility player? How is he going to make the roster?
He’s better and more proven than Munoz, who still has one minor league option left and could also be part of a trade. He is also a lefty who hits right handed pitching well. Pretty easy to fit him on a roster that needs lefties.
That makes sense – I would mike Munoz to get every day at bats again in the minors.
Possibly because Yairo Munoz was pretty bad vs MLB pitching last year….
Beckham is better
Heyman just reported Beckham was signed by the Green Bay Packers
I still chuckle at what he said last year when Cleveland DFA’ed him the day before his contract became guaranteed and he was outplaying all of their other outfielders and 2B: I’m not sure what they are trying to do here, but it definitely isn’t trying to win.
You don’t hear that often in MLB from players, which makes it even funnier.
Ok….barring a trade…. Disnt we just get rid of a guy in Martinez that wasnt a good defender but could RAKE!!!! I just dont understand the lateral moves really. Need to be focused on replacing Ozuna production and let the young guns add to that ability not counting on them to replace plus….
Cardinals have a ton of OF depth, and Martinez had no position. Miller’s defense is at least passable at 2B/LF, and Cardinals have been wanting to add a lefty bat for more than a year. I wish Edmundo Sosa hit lefty, and then this would all be avoided.
Dylan Carlson is a switch hitter and Justin Williams hits left so two lefty bats amongst the young guns. Let’s hope those guns are “loaded.” Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.
Jose was right-handed…and part of a deal for two prospects which have real value. Also…saying Jose is not a good defender is a major understatement. He was a liability. I don’t think Brad Miller is a liability, just not great. There is a big difference.
Well, Miller outhit Ozuna by a good amount last year (though in much fewer PA’s)
There is no parallel between Miller and Martinez. You literally had to hide Martinez on defense, Miller has good enough defense that he is a legitimate option for giving almost the entire starting lineup rest. He also hits right handers better. The roster has way more of a need for Miller this year.
Totally agree. As much as I loved Jose’s hitting and personality this is the National League so fielding is still required.
Rake is not at all what Martinez did last year. League is figuring him out, and his power has evaporated. Miller is bad at defense, but at actual defensively difficult positions. Martinez is the worst ever defender at every position, especially at 1B. So he’s basically a decent platoon DH only at this point, which is not exactly a valuable commodity.
And for the love of god Cards fans..please stop about Edmond…. I’m a life long Cardinals fan but this guys name isnt jimmy Edmonds… He may end up great but ill almost guarantee you we are looking at the 2020 version of Eckstien, Bo Hart, or joe Mcewing…. Fast rise,great couple of years and then flame out…. He has skills but once the league adjusts he doesnt have the offensive tools to adjust back… IMO
Lol, “the 2020 version of Eckstein” — a 2-time all-star and 10-year MLB vet with over 20 career WAR.
If you think Edman is even remotely similar to Bo Hart or Joe McEwing, that is a bad, bad, bad take.
Based on what? He is a smart guy from Stanford, his Dad was his high school coach and he is baseball smart too. He hit 3rd for a good Stamford team and has always hit over .300. I just hope they don’t start messing with his launch angle.
How can you be so sure Mack? He has aa taste of a cup of coffee so far…. Im saying everyone needs to simmer down. He isnt a sleeper like Pujols… At this point, he is a surprise
How can you be so sure Mack? He has aa taste of a cup of coffee so far…. Im saying everyone needs to simmer down. He isnt a sleeper like Pujols… At this point, he is a surprise
So at the end of the day eckstien was a 2 WAR PLAYER on hos best day… Cards are full of 2 WAR players… I donr personally care about all star nods.. Its a popularity contest. And his career wss only 10 years… He lasted longer than the others but flamed out
I’m sorry, your definition of flamed out is of their career was “only” 10 years? That’s like playing from age 25-34, that’s essentially what everyone wants out of a player!
Love me some Tommy Edmon. As a Cards fan I’m not Going to just assume he will fizzle out, instead I’ll just cheer for him and see what happens. So far he deserves to be on the field <3
Rebuilding cards acquiring talent to flip to contending teams at the deadline
Since when? They are the kings of asset depletion.
@les Chesterfield… You really think they are in rebuild mode? I’ll bet my salary Arenado is a Cardinal before August…. And I wouldn’t be so sure they arent making a play for Joc. They have the $ and would only habe to overspend for 2 years. 2022 carp, fowler, waino, probably Yadi, Cecil and all the orher bad contracts are gone…
You’re spot on- they have the loot. And as long as fans think they’ll spend it- they won’t have too.
Brock Holt is a nice addition though. Congrats !
They have the money and want to keep it. They are the prime example of irresponsible savers.
Another Arenado trade chip, its all coming together nicely…….LOL!
Nice pick up that makes 71 players in camp. Need a 12 page score card to track the numbers
Good teammate as a Phillie, and nice bat off the bench.
I thought wiley was more of an animal thing. Coyotes, maybe?
Thoroughly enjoyed the Brad Miller experience in Philly. Cool guy and he’s got some serious pop. Was hoping they’d resign him for depth but knew he was gone after they signed Niel Walker
Spud, Sure agree there. Edman is not just a very promising rookie, his fine play (all around) and demeanor have made him a fan favorite …and he’s controllable for a while. Things don’t get much better unless they start talking seriously about getting a Arenado. Even then they should think twice if he keeps that opt out clause.
Miller is a solid player. He is like a human Swiss Army Knife.
Brad was a great addition for the Phillies pathetic bench, last year! Good Luck, Brad!
Yeah, me too. Everytime the Red Birds do something I am afraid Edman will be moved. Nobody realizes how good he is.
Better than the lefty bat they picked up from the Rangers last year. Can’t remember his name now, Robinson?
Miller will likely serve as a left handed pinch hitter with occasional starts throughout the Infield. Cards needed another bench player since they have an extra roster spot to use.
Ty Wiggington again. At least DeWitt didn’t sign him for 5 years.
Wiggington was lucky to be replacement level in a season. That’s not the case with Miller
Ty Wigs career 261/323/435
Brad Miller career 241/314/419
There can be no question Miller is the superior athlete, but offensively???
The quest for an all utility player team continues. Thrifty Bill reminds me of the billionaire who shops at Goodwill.
He did good for the Phillies toward the end so I think he’ll do good
Slightly above average cardinals at it again! Nice slightly above average move! Whwwwhooo