The Seattle Mariners have already made one noteworthy determination regarding pitcher Bryce Miller this offseason, however one other could possibly be on the horizon.
Seattle declined Miller’s $6.075 million membership possibility for 2027 on October 29, sending the right-hander again via wage arbitration. Whereas the transfer didn’t jeopardize the workforce’s management over Miller, his title has now surfaced in hypothesis a couple of potential offseason commerce.
USA TODAY’s Gabe Lacques recognized Miller as one in all 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 constantly.
The evaluation raises an intriguing query for the Mariners: May shifting a proficient however inconsistent starter assist deal with 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 turned more and more inconsistent throughout the second half of 2026.
The Mariners even moved him to the bullpen in late August earlier than an harm 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 scenario.
He stays beneath workforce management via the 2029 season, doubtlessly interesting to golf equipment in search of 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 may be 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 workforce’s plans shifting ahead.
Mariners Face Troublesome Choice With Crowded Beginning Rotation
Seattle’s rotation has turn into more and more crowded because of the emergence of a number of youthful pitchers.
Emerson Hancock made 25 begins throughout 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 provides a major 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 necessary safety towards accidents over a 162-game season.
The query is whether or not the Mariners consider Miller’s potential contribution on the mound outweighs no matter offensive assist they could obtain in return.
For now, his inclusion on Lacques’ record is solely one other indication that Seattle’s starting-pitching surplus may turn into a serious offseason speaking level.
Whether or not that dialogue turns into an precise commerce stays to be seen.
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