May 9, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Tyson Miller (49) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the seventh inning at Target Field. Photo: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Cubs Acquire RHP Tyson Miller from Mariners

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated 5/14/24

The Chicago Cubs need bullpen help, that’s not a secret. However, the Miami Marlins might be asking for a lot this early in the season for their relievers and very few other teams are looking to make moves. That has blocked Jed Hoyer, for the time being, from acquiring help. That is, until a solid option becomes available following designation for assignment.

RHP Tyson Miller was DFA’d by the Seattle Mariners. With a 3.09 ERA in 11.2 innings pitched, Miller is a low-cost add to the pen. Although the cost was a hot minor-league hitter in 1B Jake Slaughter, he was likely blocked by a number of players in the organization.

Trade news: The Chicago Cubs are acquiring right-handed reliever Tyson Miller from the Seattle Mariners for infielder Jake Slaughter, sources tell ESPN.

Miller was recently DFA’d and will join the Cubs in the big leagues. He has been good: 3.09 ERA, 12-to-1 K-to-BB in 11.2 IP.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 14, 2024

Miller began his career with the Cubs, becoming a Cubs draft pick in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Miller then debuted in 2020, pitching in two games, including one start.

Miller was DFA’d by the Cubs in 2021 and claimed by the Texas Rangers. Miller made his Texas debut in 2022, making four appearances in his time there.

Miller spent a good part of 2023 in the minors, but appeared in 10 games for three different teams. Miller landed with the Mariners organization heading into 2024 before the latest transaction.

Among the teams Miller spent time with in 2023 was the formerly Craig Counsell-led Milwaukee Brewers, giving the new Cubs skipper some familiarity with their newest addition.

Miller will join the Cubs and not head to the minors.

As for Slaughter, the minor-league first baseman never made an appearance with the Cubs, but has put together two really good seasons in 2022 and 2023. He’s off to a hot start in 2024, but is blocked by Michael Busch, Matt Mervis, and others in the organization. As a result, he gets a change of scenery and a new opportunity with the trade.

The Cubs and Atlanta Braves will do battle once again on Tuesday at 6:20 p.m. CDT. RHP Jameson Taillon will throw for the Cubs and LHP Chris Sale will take the bump for the Braves.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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