News Summary

The Arizona Diamondbacks have traded right-hander Shelby Miller and left-hander Jordan Montgomery to the Milwaukee Brewers for financial relief. While the move helps the Diamondbacks by securing $3 million in salary relief, it raises concerns about their bullpen depth. Both pitchers have faced injuries this season, and this trade reflects a broader strategy as the Diamondbacks focus on rebuilding and improving their pitching roster for the future.

Arizona

The Arizona Diamondbacks have traded right-hander Shelby Miller and left-hander Jordan Montgomery to the Milwaukee Brewers in a move aimed at gaining financial relief. This trade, first reported by FanSided’s Robert Murray, allows the Diamondbacks to receive no players in return but secures them $3 million in salary relief as the Brewers will cover a portion of Montgomery’s contract.

The trade reflects an ongoing strategy by the Diamondbacks to alleviate financial burdens while looking to enhance their pitching prospects for the future. Miller, 34, has been on the injured list since July 7 due to a forearm strain but has progressed in a throwing program. In 2025, he performed notably well in the bullpen, showcasing a 1.98 ERA over 36.1 innings and stepping up as the closer for Arizona. He secured 10 saves during a crucial time when fellow pitchers A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez were sidelined due to elbow injuries requiring Tommy John surgeries.

On the other hand, Montgomery is currently recovering from Toy John surgery and is set to miss the entire 2025 season, subsequently becoming a free agent in 2026. His recent seasons faced challenges, including an unsatisfactory 2024 campaign that saw him post a 6.23 ERA over 117 innings before being transitioned to bullpen duties.

This trade signifies part of a larger strategy by the Diamondbacks, who have engaged in a fire sale leading up to the deadline. The recent trades, including players such as Eugenio Suárez, Josh Naylor, Randal Grichuk, and Merrill Kelly, aim to provide the team with better payroll flexibility while rebuilding their pitching roster.

Performance Insight

The Diamondbacks’ bullpen has consistently ranked among the bottom five in Major League Baseball (MLB), and the departure of Miller, one of their few reliable relief pitchers, may complicate their efforts to improve in this area. Miller’s involvement earlier this season provided a much-needed strength, especially in clutch situations when injuries sidelined key pitchers. Their current landscape in the bullpen could lead to significant performance challenges in the coming seasons.

Future Considerations

As the Diamondbacks navigate their rebuilding phase, they are focusing on acquiring young talent and enhancing their financial situation to prepare for future seasons. While the immediate loss of Miller, who has proven himself as an effective pitcher both as a starter and in the bullpen, may pose challenges, the move reflects a calculated decision by the franchise to prioritize long-term stability and growth.

This trade not only demonstrates the shifting dynamics within the Diamondbacks organization but also indicates their commitment to cultivating a more robust pitching lineup capable of competing at higher levels in subsequent seasons. The effects of this deal are likely to reverberate throughout the remainder of the MLB season as the Diamondbacks adjust their strategy in light of these changes.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Arizona Sports: Merrill Kelly Trade Analysis
• ESPN: Rangers Acquire Merrill Kelly
• AZ Central: Diamondbacks Trade Deadline Explained
• Google Search: Arizona Diamondbacks Rebuilding Strategy
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball