The Andrew Miller Transaction Tree
The Andrew Miller trade could produce another talent in Boston very soon.
Trade trees are one of my favorite things to read about. With very little going on right now with the Red Sox, I figured I would investigate the benefits of trading Andrew Miller back in 2014. There will be plenty of time to discuss final roster decisions in the coming weeks but I have been fascinated about how Dustin Richardson is connected to Roman Anthony. It’s all part of the Andrew Miller transaction tree.
November 12, 2010: The Boston Red Sox acquire Andrew Miller for Dustin Richardson
Maybe you remember Dustin Richardson in a Red Sox uniform but most likely probably not. Richardson was a reliever who only threw 16 innings from ‘09-’10. Richardson was traded to the Miami Marlins for Andrew Miller, who had a 5.89 ERA in 41 games. Richardson never appeared on a big league mound again after the trade. Miller was non-tendered less than a month after the trade so technically Richardson is not a true member of the Andrew Miller trade tree. It’s possible that the trade to Boston allowed the Red Sox front office to start to work out a new contract with Miller’s agent because 2 weeks after Boston non-tendered Miller, the 2 sides worked out a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training.
Andrew Miller with Boston (2011-2014)
4 Seasons: 157 G, 3.79 ERA, 11.0 K/9, 1.5 WAR
The Red Sox only experimented with Miller in the rotation for 12 games before moving him to the bullpen. Miller discovered his dominant form as a reliever and was a huge part of the Red Sox bullpen in 2013 (2.64 ERA). Miller took his game to the next level in ‘14 pitching to a 2.04 ERA and an insane 14.7 K/9. Boston fell out of the mix by the trade deadline and moved Miller within the division to the Baltimore Orioles for Eduardo Rodriguez, who was the Orioles 3rd ranked prospect at the time. Miller appeared in 23 games for the Orioles before electing to hit free agency and eventually signed with the Yankees in the off-season.
Eduardo Rodriguez with Boston (2015-2021)
6 seasons: 159 G: 64-39, 4.16 ERA, 14.3 WAR
Rodriguez was close to big league ready when Boston acquired him as he was in AA at the time of the trade. Rodriguez debuted with the Sox the next season. Rodriguez was effective on the mound when he broke into the league but knee issues prevented him from taking that next step. Once the knee issues were resolved, Rodriguez became one of the most reliable and successful starters for the Red Sox. E-Rod was an integral part of the 2018 World Series winning roster and he finished 6th in the CY in 2019 when he was a 19-game winner. Rodriguez was offered a qualifying offer after the 2021 season but he declined it and elected to test free agency.
Roman Anthony (2022-Present)
Red Sox fans were hoping that Rodriguez turned down the qualifying offer because it meant the Red Sox would get a compensation pick. That ended up happening and Boston was awarded the 79th pick in the 2022 draft. With the 79th pick, Boston drafted high school outfielder Roman Anthony. Anthony had an encouraging rookie season but exploded last year as his performance on the field warranted 2 promotions. His play caught the attention of national evaluators and now Anthony ranks high on most prospect lists heading into 2024.
Baseball America: #21
MLB.com: #24
Fangraphs: #14
The Red Sox now have a 19 year-old prospect in AA who could be a superstar caliber player for many years to come for the organization. The Detroit Tigers gave the Red Sox the compensation pick for 2 years of Eduardo Rodriguez.
Trades in baseball, especially when prospects are involved, are a lot like playing the lottery. The Red Sox bought their ticket and hit big. In terms of value, the Red Sox won big as Miller and Rodriguez produced a 15.8 WAR during their time with Boston. Miller and Rodriguez only produced a combined 2.1 WAR for the clubs that either traded or signed them upon leaving Boston.
Most importantly, the moves led to winning. Andrew Miller helped Boston win the 2013 World Series and Eduardo Rodriguez helped Boston win the 2018 World Series. Roman Anthony now provides hope for the next great Red Sox team.
Let me know which trade tree (Red Sox or non-Red Sox player) I should do next!