Report: D-Backs pushed hard for Fernandez before landing Miller
The Arizona Diamondbacks shocked the baseball world twice in one week after signing Zack Greinke to six-year contract, and reportedly trading for Shelby Miller in a blockbuster trade with the Atlanta Braves. Though, the team almost made an even bigger splash with a proposed megadeal involving the Miami Marlins.
Arizona was working on acquiring Marlins right-hander Jose Fernandez, according to the Miami Herald's Clark Spencer.
The Marlins were asking for left-hander Patrick Corbin, top prospect Dansby Swanson, and three others in exchange for the ace.
Arizona, however, instead elected to deal Swanson, outfielder Ender Inciarte, and right-hander Aaron Blair to Atlanta for righty Miller and a pitching prospect.
FERNANDEZ VS. MILLER
| PLAYER | AGE | IP | W-L | ERA | WHIP | SO9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jose Fernandez | 23 | 289 | 22-9 | 2.40 | 1.01 | 10.5 |
| Shelby Miller | 25 | 575.1 | 32-35 | 3.22 | 1.23 | 7.6 |
Both Fernandez and Miller won't be free agents until 2019, and Miller, unlike Fernandez, has never required Tommy John surgery.
Miller should slot in as the No. 2 starter in the Diamondbacks' rotation behind Greinke, and Arizona didn't need to part with Corbin - its projected third starter - in the trade with the Braves.