The Los Angeles Dodgers are said to be nearing the end of their managerial search, with their decision down to selecting between team director of player development Gabe Kapler and former San Diego Padres bench coach Dave Roberts.
As that concludes, the Dodgers’ activity in free agency and the trade market is expected ramp up, particularly with the Winter Meetings beginning in just over two weeks.
Outside of their managerial vacancy, the Dodgers’ biggest need is in their starting rotation, as there’s a Zack-Greinke sized hole behind Clayton Kershaw.
Without delving into specifics, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman stated at the General Manager meetings acquiring pitching was a focal point this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Dodgers are among the teams to contact the Atlanta Braves on the availability of Shelby Miller:
Since Shelby Miller's name first emerged in the trade market, the Giants and Dodgers have checked in on his availability.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 19, 2015
The Braves last week traded shortstop Andrelton Simmons to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, reportedly are intent on rebuilding by seemingly making any player on their roster available.
Atlanta acquired Miller, along with Tyrell Jenkins, last November from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden.
Miller, 25, went 6-17 with a 3.02 ERA, 124 ERA+, 3.45 FIP and 1.25 WHIP. He was 5-5 with a 2.38 ERA and 1.15 WHIP through 18 first-half starts, and was Atlanta’s lone representation at the 2015 MLB All-Star Game.
Despite some of his struggles, Miller set a career high with 33 starts last season, plus with 205.1 innings pitched and 171 strikeouts.
Since debuting with the Cardinals in 2012, Miller is 32-35 lifetime with a 3.22 ERA, 3.82 FIP and 1.24 WHIP. He’s in the first year of being eligible for arbitration.
Along with the Miami Marlins, the Braves and Dodgers completed a three-team, 13-player trade in August.
The deal included Los Angeles acquiring Bronson Arroyo, Luis Avilan, Jim Johnson, Jose Peraza and Alex Wood from Atlanta. While the Dodgers sent Zachary Bird, Hector Olivera and Paco Rodriguez to the Braves.
On Wednesday it was reported the Dodgers and Cleveland Indians held early trade talks on a deal that would involve sending an outfielder to Cleveland in exchange for a starting pitcher.
