Tampa Bay Rays trade Brad Miller to Milwaukee Brewers

The Tampa Bay Rays found a taker for Brad Miller, sending him to the Milwaukee Brewers for first baseman Ji-Man Choi.

It was a matter of time before Brad Miller had left the Tampa Bay Rays organization. he had been designated for assignment as the Rays brought Jake Bauers to the majors, beginning what may well be an influx of youth. Miller, despite his ability to play first, second, and, in theory, short, had become expendable.

The Rays, however, have been able to get something back for Miller. He has been sent to the Milwaukee Brewers, with first baseman Ji-Man Choi coming back to Tampa Bay. Choi will take Bauers place in Durham, waiting for an opportunity to perform at the major league level again.

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Miller had been a solid producer in the Rays lineup, with a .256/.322/.429 batting line, hitting five homers and ten doubles in 174 plate appearances. However, he had become a player without a position, as Joey Wendle had taken over second. With the ascension of Bauers, Miller did not have a place on the roster.

Meanwhile, the Brewers have been looking for an answer at second base. Milwaukee second basemen have produced a .258/.303/.381 batting line thus far, with their .684 OPS 18th in baseball. Shortstop has also been a black hole in Milwaukee, where Orlando Arcia has struggled this season. Despite his excellent glove, he has produced an awful .209/.246/.276 batting line, with seven extra base hits in 171 plate appearances.

Miller, who will appropriately be playing his home games in Miller Park, provides solid depth for a team that is in need of pop in the middle of the diamond. Although he may not have the defensive ability of Arcia or Jonathan Villar, Miller can provide offense that neither player possesses.

In exchange, the Rays get the well traveled Choi. He has displayed a bit of power over the course of his minor league career, with 130 doubles and 60 homers in his eight seasons. However, he has not been able to stick at the major league level, getting cups of coffee with the Angels, Yankees, and Brewers. At least his final at bat in Milwaukee, where he belted what would prove to be a game winning pinch hit grand slam, will be a memorable moment this season.

Next: Did Rays wait too long to trade Archer?

The Milwaukee Brewers have been trying to find a second baseman since their ill-fated decision to designate Scooter Gennett for assignment. With their trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, they are hoping to have an answer.