Baltimore Orioles acquire Andrew Miller

Despite how active the Boston Red Sox were at the trading deadline, the one player on the roster who prompted the most phone calls was left-handed reliever Andrew Miller. Boston ended up dealing Miller prior to the deadline, shipping him to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitching prospect Eduardo Rodriguez.

Miller has been enjoying a career year in Boston. The 29 year old had made 50 appearances for the Red Sox, posting a 2.34 ERA and 0.898 WHIP over 42.1 IP. His 14.7 K/9 is the best rate among left-handed pitchers in baseball. His development in recent years as a reliable reliever even has some believing that he could potentially thrive in the closer’s role.

The lanky veteran will provide a certain boost to the Orioles bullpen as the season closes out. He also gives them yet another proven left-hander to work into the mix.

A free agent at season’s end, Miller is also highly affordable over the remainder of the season. On a one year, $1.9 Million contract he’s still due a mere fraction of that amount. Based on the recent market, however, Miller could be facing a deal in neighborhood of three years, $21 Million this winter.

It is not out of the question that the Red Sox will be among his suitors once he hits the open market again.

In return the Orioles will part with Rodriguez, who has struggled a bit this season. Rodriguez came into the season ranked highly on prospect lists, noted as the #3 prospect on the Orioles and at #65 overall by Baseball America.

The 21 year old has made 16 starts at Double-A on the year, with a 4.79 ERA and 1.440 WHIP over 82.2 IP. He’s been on the fast track since signing with the Orioles as an amateur free agent but hasn’t taken a step forward this season as many had hoped. He’s expected to join Boston’s Double-A affiliate for the remainder of the season. Rodriguez projects as a mid-rotation option down the line.