A former Texas Rangers infielder, Brad Miller, has landed a spot on the west coast with the San Diego Padres, signing a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League spring training, as reported by MLB.com on Tuesday. Miller hit the free-agent market following the Rangers’ first World Series triumph, having spent time on the 60-day injured list due to a hamstring injury in September.
Initially signed to a two-year deal by the Rangers before the 2022 season, Miller assumed a utility role but struggled to secure consistent playing time. His opportunities were further limited by injuries and the emergence of Ezequiel Duran and Josh Smith as versatile players. In the 2023 season, Miller appeared in just 27 games, posting a batting average of .214. His playing time was more extensive in 2022, featuring in 81 games, yet he maintained a modest batting average of .212.
Since his standout 2021 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he played 140 games and batted .227 with 20 home runs and 49 RBIs, Miller has not been a regular starter. Since 2018, he has transitioned into a utility role, moving from team to team. This journey began when he was traded from Tampa Bay to Milwaukee in June 2018, followed by surgery to repair a torn hip labrum.
Subsequently, Miller has had stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, and Phillies. His most notable success came with the Rays in 2016, during which he achieved career highs with 30 home runs and 81 RBIs.
