The Los Angeles Dodgers are barreling toward the MLB trade deadline with one eye on October and the other on patching some glaring roster holes. And in a move that few would’ve predicted last season, it looks like one-time golden arm Bobby Miller could be on the block.
His stock may not be what it once was, but in the high-stakes poker game of MLB trades, even a faded prospect can still hold just enough intrigue for a deal to get done.
Once a Phenom, Now a Trade Chip?
Bobby Miller wasn’t supposed to be here—at least, not like this. The Dodgers’ top pitching prospect just a year ago, he now finds himself clinging to relevance in Triple-A.
Injuries have derailed what looked like a promising career. A shoulder issue last year was bad enough, but a line drive to the head during spring training this season? That kind of luck belongs in a country song.
The numbers don’t lie either. Miller’s career ERA stands at 5.44 over 185 1/3 innings. Not exactly eye-popping. And yet, he’s still got that “what if” factor some GMs crave.
Why the Dodgers Might Pull the Trigger
This isn’t about giving up on Miller entirely—it’s about timing. And right now, the Dodgers don’t have time to wait.
They’re missing pieces. The rotation’s fragile. The bullpen’s inconsistent. The lineup has firepower, but depth is an issue. It’s win-now mode, and win-now mode rarely has space for long-term projects like Miller anymore.
Sources close to the team suggest L.A. is shopping aggressively and open to dealing from its pool of once-promising players.
• Bobby Miller is viewed as a “sweetener” in trade talks
• Dodgers looking for impact players, especially pitchers and outfielders
• Teams like the Reds and Red Sox reportedly have interest
Miller’s Trade Value: How Low Has It Fallen?
Let’s be real—this isn’t peak value Miller we’re talking about. He’s struggled, plain and simple. And though he’s still only 25, teams aren’t lining up to pay top dollar for damaged goods.
But it’s also baseball. And baseball front offices love a good reclamation project.
Look at James Outman, for example. The Dodgers used him in a similar way last season. Packaging a fading-but-talented name with solid prospects got them a more proven commodity. That could be the blueprint here.
One exec put it this way: “You’re not trading for what he is right now, you’re gambling on what he used to be—and hoping you can fix it.”
What Could the Dodgers Get in Return?
L.A. isn’t moving Miller for a lottery ticket. He’s part of a larger package, ideally one that brings back a contributor this October.
Two teams to watch:
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Cincinnati Reds: They’ve got arms, and they’re also not contending. Someone like Frankie Montas, who’s on an expiring deal, makes sense.
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Boston Red Sox: Another team with expiring veterans. Think outfield help or late-inning bullpen pieces.
Let’s break down a few hypothetical possibilities:
| Trade Partner | Potential Target | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Reds | Frankie Montas | Veteran rental, Miller gets fresh start |
| Red Sox | Kenley Jansen | L.A. reunion, bullpen help |
| Pirates | David Bednar | Costly but controllable, Miller helps offset price |
One source said the Dodgers are “looking for controllable arms but won’t hesitate on rentals if the fit is right.”
The Risk Factor: What If They Regret This?
Here’s the thing—cutting ties with a top prospect always carries risk. Just ask the Yankees how they felt after trading Jordan Montgomery.
Miller could figure things out in Cincinnati or Boston and turn into a mid-rotation guy for the next five years. That would sting.
But there’s also the chance he continues to fade. Injuries, mechanics, confidence—it’s all in flux.
The Dodgers, historically, have done well with these kinds of decisions. They let go at just the right time. Maybe this is one of those moments.
Or maybe not.
Miller’s Future Depends on More Than Just Talent
Even if Miller stays put this month, the writing feels etched into Dodger blue walls—his time in L.A. may be winding down.
The clubhouse doesn’t seem overly shocked either. One player, speaking anonymously, said, “Bobby’s got the tools, no doubt. But this is the Dodgers. You either perform or you move on. That’s just how it is.”
And that might be the most honest assessment of all. The Dodgers don’t wait around. They don’t hope. They trade, reload, and win.
