Texas Rangers sign Shelby Miller to one year deal

The Texas Rangers and Shelby Miller have agreed on a one year contract, according to multiple folks on Twitter. Miller, 28, was a free agent after having been non-tendered by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The deal is reportedly for $2 million plus incentives.

Miller, a native of Brownwood, was picked #19 overall in the 2009 draft by the St. Louis Cardinals after the Rangers passed on him to select Matt Purke. Miller had a strong rookie season in 2013, followed by an okay sophomore campaign, after which he was dealt to the Atlanta Braves in the deal that sent Jason Hayward to St. Louis. After a quality 2015 season, Miller was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Dansby Swanson, Ender Inciarte and Aaron Blair.

Unfortunately for the D-Backs, Miller struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness, and missed most of 2017 and 2018 due to Tommy John surgery. With a one year deal, the Rangers give Miller the likelihood of a rotation spot, where he can look to bounce back from the injuries, show he is healthy, and return to the free agent market next offseason.

The Rangers appear at this point to be slated for a Mike Minor/Lance Lynn/Drew Smyly/Edinson Volquez/Shelby Miller rotation, though they will no doubt continue to seek depth options, and Minor is rumored to be on the block. Miller is a solid low-risk pickup who the Rangers can try to get back to his old self...and if he’s serviceable, he gives the Rangers innings, and could be a worthwhile trade chip this summer.

UPDATE — The Rangers have announced Miller has been signed. It is official. The 40 man roster now stands at 38.