Anthony Arroyo
The Los Angeles Dodgers are already solidifying their rotation for the 2025 season, but speculation is swirling about the future of right-handed pitcher Bobby Miller. Reports suggest that Miller once considered a key piece of the Dodgers pitching staff, could soon be on the trade block.
“When you have a roster that’s arguably the most talented in history, one through 40, playing time is hard to come by,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “All guys want to play and should want to play. But it takes some buy-in to their teammates and the organization.”
Heading into Spring Training, Bobby Miller was a strong candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation. However, after Miller sustained a comebacker to the head on February 21, the Dodgers pivoted and named Dustin May the fifth starter instead. As a result, Miller was optioned to Triple-A to begin the season.
Miller emerged as a crucial part of the Dodgers’ 2023 rotation, posting an 11-4 record with a 3.76 ERA over 124 innings in his rookie campaign. He was widely seen as one of the most promising young pitchers in baseball, and 2024 was expected to be a year of further growth. However, his season took a turn for the worse.
According to Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, “Even with Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler gone in free agency, and Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, Gavin Stone, and Emmet Sheehan all set to open the year on the injured list, Bobby Miller was still optioned to the minors on Tuesday, weeks before Opening Day. The Dodgers do not have the luxury of allowing him to work through his issues at the MLB level while chasing another World Series title, but he could be a great reclamation project for a rebuilding club.”
Miller struggled mightily in 2024, making 13 starts and recording a 2-4 record with an 8.52 ERA across just 56 innings before being sent down for the remainder of the season. This year’s Spring Training was supposed to be a fresh start, but after sustaining a head injury from a comebacker, he again found himself optioned to the minors alongside Hyeseong Kim.
With Gerrit Cole sidelined for the season due to Tommy John surgery, the Yankees, who the Dodgers defeated in the 2024 World Series, have been rumored as a potential trade destination for Miller. While a trade between the two powerhouse clubs seems unlikely, New York’s pitching woes, including injuries to Cole and Luis Gil, could give the Dodgers leverage in any potential negotiations.
As Opening Day approaches, only time will tell if Miller remains with the Dodgers or if a trade materializes, offering the once-promising right-hander a fresh start elsewhere.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
