Brad Miller, Phillies complete 1-year deal

PHILADELPHIA -- Brad Miller will be bringing back his bats and bamboo plants to Philadelphia.

The Phillies announced the signing of the free-agent infielder on Wednesday, six day after MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi reported that the Phillies and Miller were working on a contract. Morosi said the one-year deal could be worth between $3 million and $3.5 million. Miller, 31, will provide depth to the Phillies’ bench, particularly if MLB and MLBPA bring back the designated hitter before Opening Day, which remains a possibility.

Miller hit .263 with 12 home runs, 21 RBIs and a .941 OPS in 130 plate appearances with the Phillies in 2019. He not only produced, he also brought some levity to the clubhouse when he tried to change the Phillies’ luck by bringing a few bamboo plants into the clubhouse. It worked for a time.

Miller signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals before the 2020 season and hit .232 with seven home runs, 25 RBIs and an .807 OPS in 171 plate appearances. He started 31 games as the designated hitter, 11 at third base and one each at shortstop and second base. He has started 71 games in his career at first base, too.

Miller could receive plenty of plate appearances at DH, if it returns. If not, his arrival still gives Phillies manager Joe Girardi additional flexibility, particularly if first baseman Rhys Hoskins or third baseman Alec Bohm need a day off.

Earlier last week, the Phillies agreed to a Minor League contact with outfielder Matt Joyce, who will be in camp as a non-roster invitee. Joyce slashed .252/.351/.331 in 148 plate appearances last season with Miami. He has a .772 OPS and 112 OPS+ over 13 years with seven teams.

Rice extended

A source said the Phillies have handed assistant general manager Ned Rice a two-year contract extension, a story first reported in The Philadelphia Inquirer. Rice has been with the Phillies since 2016, and was former general manager Matt Klentak’s right-hand man throughout his tenure. Rice is a favorite of Phillies president Andy MacPhail, who named him the organization’s interim general manager following Klentak’s departure from the role in October and Dave Dombrowski’s hiring as president of baseball operations in December.