Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks discussing Miller, Teheran
The Arizona Diamondbacks seem set on keeping A.J. Pollock, but they’re still discussing Julio Teheran and Shelby Miller with the Braves, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.
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A potential Miller-for-Pollock deal was previously discussed, though the Diamondbacks are seemingly looking at Pollock as “almost as untouchable as Paul Goldschmidt” these days. Arizona is reportedly looking to extend their center fielder rather than trade him, though other outfielders like David Peralta and Ender Inciarte could be included in deals for pitching.
The Diamondbacks already made a splash by signing Zack Greinke last week, but are still looking to add another arm and bolster an otherwise lackluster rotation. Mike Leake is still on the team’s radar, but they’ve seemingly pushed their budget with the Greinke signing and are reportedly looking to add pitching via trade before they shell out any more sizable paydays to free agents.
Teheran comes with two more years of control than Miller, and is locked into a team-friendly extension that should make him particularly appealing to Arizona. Still just 24, Teheran went 11-8 with a 4.04 ERA last season in 200.2 innings. He’s just a year removed, however, from a 2014 campaign in which he went 14-13 with a 2.89 ERA and earned a trip to the All-Star Game.
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Miller, also 24, struggled down the stretch last year, but still managed to turn in a 3.02 ERA in 205.1 innings. Despite his strong performance, the righty also led the National League in losses (17), but that in itself shouldn’t be a concern as he was a major victim of poor run support. Miller will be first-time arbitration eligible this winter as a Super Two, so the D’Backs would likely prefer Teheran and the long-term financial security he provides.