The Tigers announced on Sunday that right-hander Shelby Miller has cleared outright waivers and has now been placed on unconditional release waivers. Should Miller clear these waivers as well, he will become a free agent.
Miller, who will turn 34 next month, was a first-round pick by the Cardinals in the 2009 draft and was considered a rising star in the early 2010s, boasting a 3.22 ERA in 575 1/3 innings from 2012 through 2015, including an All-Star appearance with the Braves.
However, his career took a downturn due to injuries and struggles on the mound. Between 2016 and 2022, Miller recorded a 7.02 ERA over 202 2/3 innings across several teams, with his advanced metrics also showing below-average performance.
In 2023, after signing a minor league deal with the Dodgers and transitioning to a reliever role, Miller found success again, posting a 1.71 ERA in 42 innings. His performance earned him a $3 million contract with the Tigers, though his 2024 season was marred by inconsistency, despite a majority of scoreless outings. His overall ERA of 4.53 and FIP of 4.48 were both below league average, and he struggled with home runs.
As Miller hits free agency again, it’s possible teams could view him as a middle-relief option given his resurgence with the Dodgers and his more recent performance. His last two seasons combined show a decent track record, and teams might believe his skill level lies somewhere between his dominant 2023 and his less consistent 2024.
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