Padres Sign Veteran Utility Player to Minor League Deal

He will instantly compete for a spot on the major league roster.

The San Diego Padres have added infield depth to their roster.

According to Padres beat writer for MLB.com, AJ Cassavell, the Friars have signed veteran utility player Brad Miller on a minor league deal.

Some news: The Padres have signed longtime infielder Brad Miller to a Minor League deal with an invite to big league camp. A lefty hitter, he's expected to vie for a bench spot.

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) March 5, 2024

According to Cassavell, Miller could fight for a bench spot on the major league roster. 

Miller has been around the block in the league, spending time with the Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, the then-Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, and Texas Rangers. 

He's a career .236 hitter and has 740 hits, 123 home runs, 405 RBIs, and 397 runs scored in 1,055 games. 

He's appeared in over 100 games in five seasons, and his best hitting season came in 2019 when he slashed .260/.329/.565 with 13 home runs and 25 RBIs in 79 games across Cleveland and Philadelphia. The 34-year-old also had a cup of coffee with the rival Dodgers in 2019 in spring training, before signing with Cleveland at the end of March.

The 11-year veteran has experience playing all over the diamond, as he's appeared in games at first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field, right field and center field.

Miller spent the 2023 season with the Rangers, appearing in just 27 games and slashing .214/.328/.339 with one home run and six runs batted in.

The 34-year-old will hope to continue his MLB career in San Diego.