In an ongoing series, we'll take a look at possible free-agent and trade targets for the Texas Rangers this winter.
Target: Wade Miley, LHP
2014 stats: 8-12, 4.34 ERA, 183 strikeouts, 75 walks, 201 1/3 innings pitched
After the Rangers apparently failed to match up on a trade for pitching with the New York Mets, they shifted their focus to the Arizona Diamondbacks and their young lefty. Miley has been consistent in his four big-league seasons, proving to be an innings-eater and an effective starter, eclipsing 200 innings in each of the past two seasons and hitting 194 2/3 in 2012.
Miley's mid-4.00s ERA in 2014 was a bit deceiving after he posted ERAs of 3.33 and 3.55 in 2012 and 2013, especially when you look at his home and road splits. Miley's home ERA in 2014 was 5.61 in 16 starts in the thin Arizona air. On the road, his numbers were much better as he posted a 3.17 ERA in 17 starts.
Miley is controllable for three more seasons in arbitration, making him an affordable young starter that would cost a nice package of prospects in return, but as a No. 3 starter, he'd likely be a really nice fit.
