Earlier today, I asked which remaining free agents the Yankees should sign while they still can. Well, we know the Bombers’ answer to that question now. Just hours after Gio Gonzalez was released from his minor league contract, they handed out a minor league deal to Brad Miller.
Miller, 29, started the season with Cleveland. He slashed .250/.325/.417 with 96 wRC+ across 36 at-bats before he was designated for assignment to make room for Jason Kipnis. The left-hander cleared waivers, and now he’ll have a shot to contribute for the Yankees.
Although he has primarily played shortstop in the big leagues, Miller has some experience at every single position besides catcher. Considering the rate of Yankee injuries, you never know when they might need another utility man. They might even want to swap Tyler Wade’s bat out now. He’s collected just five hits through 24 at-bats.
Much like Wade when he didn’t make the team out of spring training, Miller was salty after getting DFA’d. “Obviously, they don’t want the best guys up here.” Best is probably a stretch, but even just replacement level would be adequate. Maybe he’ll get a boost playing with a chip on his shoulder.
What do you think of the signing?