3 strike-throwing Mets trade targets to replace injured Drew Smith on the roster

2) Shelby Miller

Shelby Miller is still somehow only 33-years-old and in that phase of his career where he has successfully reinvented himself as a relief pitcher. Well-traveled, he is now with the Detroit Tigers pitching well out of their bullpen. He’s not at the 1.71 ERA level he was last year with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nevertheless, he is a very affordable arm and someone who has thrown strikes this season.

Miller’s numbers were much better before Estevez’s Angels scored 3 runs in an inning against him on Friday. His ERA is now at 4.62 on the year.

This shouldn’t scare the Mets off too much. He has 25 strikeouts in 25.1 innings and only 6 walks. Holding batters to a .187 batting average and not walking very many has led to Miller putting together a 0.91 WHIP on the season.

Getting paid about half of Estevez, he’s a far more affordable player for the Mets to target in every way. The Tigers wouldn’t be able to ask for much nor will he do much damage to the payroll. If avoiding luxury tax penalties and keeping the best prospects around is paramount for the Mets, Miller is the kind of strike-throwing veteran for them to add.