Philadelphia Phillies: 5 free agent bench bats worth giving a contract
By David Esser
Brad Miller, INF/OF
A former Phillie who actually was an elite bench piece, seeing Brad Miller return to the city that dubbed him “Bamboo Brad” would be a feel-good scenario for everyone involved. Not only would Miller get the opportunity to play a full 162 game season in Philly, but his defensive versatility and natural offensive power would be heavily utilized.
An eight year veteran at this point, Miller has stacked together two really good stints back to back. He was obviously fantastic as a role-player for the Phillies in 2019, launching 12 homers in just 66 games, and then turned around and was just as productive for the Reds in 2020, pouring in 7 HRs and 25 RBIs in just 48 games played.
A former 30 HR hitter way back in 2016, Miller has appeared to have re-found his slugging stride as of late.
Not only would Miller be a go-to pinch hitter for Joe Girardi, but his ability to bounce around defensively is similar to that of Gonzalez’. He played a lot of third base for Philadelphia back in 2019, but he also has experience at shortstop, second base, first base, and the corner outfield positions.
While most of the staff that worked with him in 2019 has since departed, attempting to reunite with Miller here in 2021 would be good business for the Phillies.