The Seattle Mariners have already made one noteworthy determination regarding pitcher Bryce Miller this offseason, however one other might be on the horizon.
Seattle declined Miller’s $6.075 million membership choice for 2027 on October 29, sending the right-hander again via wage arbitration. Whereas the transfer didn’t jeopardize the group’s management over Miller, his identify has now surfaced in hypothesis a couple of potential offseason commerce.
USA TODAY’s Gabe Lacques recognized Miller as one among eight American League commerce candidates in an article printed November 5.
Lacques pointed to Seattle’s surplus of beginning pitching, together with its want to enhance an offense that has struggled to supply persistently.
The evaluation raises an intriguing query for the Mariners: Might shifting a proficient however inconsistent starter assist tackle a extra urgent roster weak point?
Bryce Miller Named Potential Mariners Commerce Candidate
Miller’s future is an attention-grabbing dilemma for Seattle’s entrance workplace.
The 28-year-old completed the 2026 common season with a 4-10 document, 4.17 ERA and 119 strikeouts over 118 2/3 innings.
These numbers represented a substantial departure from his breakout 2024 marketing campaign, when he posted a 2.94 ERA throughout 180 1/3 innings.
Accidents restricted Miller’s availability over the previous two seasons, and his efficiency grew to become more and more inconsistent in the course of the second half of 2026.
The Mariners even moved him to the bullpen in late August earlier than an damage to Emerson Hancock created one other opening of their rotation.
Regardless of these struggles, Miller stays an intriguing potential commerce asset due to his age, earlier success, and reasonably priced contract state of affairs.
He stays below group management via the 2029 season, doubtlessly interesting to golf equipment searching for a pitcher they wouldn’t want to interchange after only one yr.
Lacques didn’t report any energetic commerce negotiations involving Miller.
That being stated, with the Mariners coming off a really disappointing 2026 marketing campaign, there’s urgency to rekindle the spark of their 2025 season.
With loads of depth within the Mariners’ rotation and younger arms rising, Miller may not match into the group’s plans shifting ahead.
Mariners Face Tough Determination With Crowded Beginning Rotation
Seattle’s rotation has grow to be more and more crowded because of the emergence of a number of youthful pitchers.
Emerson Hancock made 25 begins in the course of the 2026 season, recording a 3.57 ERA over 138 2/3 innings.
Extremely regarded prospect Kade Anderson additionally reached the majors late within the season and figures prominently within the group’s plans for 2027.
With Logan Gilbert, George Kirby and Bryan Woo offering further established choices, the Mariners have a number of candidates competing for rotation spots.
That depth may make it simpler for Seattle to entertain the thought of shifting Miller, notably if one other membership gives a big offensive improve.
The Mariners have already confronted hypothesis about buying and selling pitchers to handle their lineup.
Buying and selling Miller would nonetheless carry some threat.
He has demonstrated the flexibility to be an efficient main league starter, and his comparatively low wage may make him worthwhile to Seattle.
Pitching depth additionally offers vital safety in opposition to accidents over a 162-game season.
The query is whether or not the Mariners imagine Miller’s potential contribution on the mound outweighs no matter offensive assist they may obtain in return.
For now, his inclusion on Lacques’ listing is solely one other indication that Seattle’s starting-pitching surplus may grow to be a significant offseason speaking level.
Whether or not that dialogue turns into an precise commerce stays to be seen.
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