That’s right, Phillies fans, break out the bamboo plants because Brad Miller is rumored to be returning to Philadelphia!
With a week to go until Spring Training, the Phillies have been looking to add a veteran presence to act as a bench bat for the 2021 season. One of the biggest names connected to the Phillies, IF Marwin Gonzalez, has agreed to a contract with the Red Sox. With a big piece off the board, the Phillies appear to have shifted gears to a familiar face.
As Jon Morosi first reported, the Phillies and Miller are in the midst of negotiating a contract for the upcoming season. The Phillies have reportedly had an interest in the 31-year old IF for a while now, but the dominoes appear to be falling in the right direction for a deal soon.
“Bamboo” Brad Miller – Philadelphia Legend
The veteran was with the Phillies on the back-side of the 2019 season where he hit for a .941 OPS in 66 games with 12 home runs. From September 21st to the 29th, Miller had not one, not two, but THREE multi-home run games for the Phillies. Miller finished September with an average of .327 with a ridiculous 1.139 OPS. He also became a bit of a cult hero in Philadelphia following his famous losing streak-breaking bamboo plant.
During 2020, Miller found himself with the Cardinals, where he hit for a more tame .801 OPS. He also found himself batting in the cleanup position for 29 games for a team that made the playoffs. Miller hit for seven home runs over the course of the season, finding ways to contribute to the Cards in their playoff push even while batting .200 during the month of September.
Brad Miller is a bona fide bat and the Phillies would certainly be better off with him than without him, especially on a cheap contract.
Photo Credit: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire
