Pitchers for the Athletics have faced 1,844 batters through 49 games, and one of the most explosive talents in Major League Baseball has faced 70 of them. Miller has pitched 19 1/3 innings in 15 games. At this rate, he’ll pitch in 50 games.
He put up another zero — this time without a strikeout — and Kotsay said afterward he had granted Miller’s request. Trade rumors regarding Miller have surfaced, with The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reporting the A’s would be willing to listen to offers but that their price was likely too steep. Under John Fisher’s ownership, it wouldn’t be the A’s usual style to part with a young talent who is still under club control at a minimal salary. The A’s usually wait until an established player is due a major payday before shipping him out of town in exchange for prospects.First, the part no one says out loud.
This brings us to the second reason trading Miller must at least be considered. Developing their own prospects has been an issue for the A’s. The Chapman trade brought back infielder Kevin Smith and pitchers Gunnar Hoglund, Zach Logue, and Kirby Snead. Shea Langeliers, Cristian Pache, and pitchers Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes arrived in exchange for Olson.