The Chicago Cubs are reportedly close to securing the services of right-handed pitcher Shelby Miller, who is set to embark on a new chapter in his career. Miller, a 35-year-old veteran, has had a somewhat tumultuous journey in Major League Baseball (MLB), but his recent performances have been nothing short of impressive. But here's where it gets interesting...
Miller's career began with high hopes as the Cardinals' top prospect in 2009. He was a first-round pick and finished third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2013, showcasing his potential early on. However, his time with the Cardinals was short-lived, and he was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2014. The Braves benefited from Miller's talent, getting 33 excellent starts out of him in 2015. Yet, his time in Arizona took a turn for the worse, as he struggled with injuries and posted a 6.35 ERA in 139 innings over three seasons.
And this is the part most people miss... Miller's career seemed to be on a downward spiral, but he found redemption as a late-inning reliever. In the past three seasons, he has donned the uniforms of four different clubs, including a remarkable comeback with the D-backs in 2025. Since Opening Day '23, Miller has been a force to be reckoned with, boasting a 3.13 ERA, a 25.3% strikeout rate, and an 8.2% walk rate. He has also accumulated 13 saves and 17 holds in 143 2/3 innings, proving his worth as a reliable reliever.
The Cubs' interest in Miller is likely driven by his ability to provide depth in the bullpen and his experience in the late innings. With Miller set to miss the 2026 season due to surgery, the Cubs may be looking at a backloaded two-year contract, allowing him to rehab and join their bullpen in 2027. So, what do you think? Is Miller's recent success enough to justify a multi-year deal? Or is the Cubs taking a risk that could pay off or backfire?
The Cubs and Miller are finalizing the details, and the deal could be announced soon. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the MLB.
