Mid-Japanese Dragons sign left-hander Kyle MuellerAccording to multiple reports in Japan. Mueller, who became a free agent after being completely removed from the Athletics’ 40-man roster at the end of the season, will now explore the next chapter of his career with Nippon Professional Baseball.
A second-round pick of the Braves in the 2016 draft, Mueller frequently appeared on Baseball Prospectus’ top-100 prospect lists during his time in the Atlanta farm system, although his numbers in the minor leagues were more solid than dominant. . Mueller made his MLB debut in 2021 and pitched in 12 games and 49 innings with Atlanta in the 2021-22 season, posting a 5.14 ERA before the Braves in 2022-12 He was sent to the Athletics in a three-team trade last month that sent Mueller to the A’s. Sean Murphy Ending in Atlanta.
Mueller got a better starting opportunity in Oakland, but he posted a roughly 7.60 ERA in 77 innings in 2023 and lost the rotation job after poor performance. The left-hander was used only as a reliever in 2024, posting a 4.01 ERA in 49 1/3 innings and a 5% walk rate, considering walks have been a constant for Muller in his previous major league appearances. A major step forward is the improvement of control capabilities. Mueller has never been a strikeout pitcher, but his 17.8% strikeout rate in 2024 is almost exactly in line with his career rate of 17.9%.
Because Mueller was not a minor league option, the Athletics had to designate him for game play before writing him outright for the first time in August. The lack of an option year will be an obstacle for Mueller moving forward in North American baseball, and pitching for the Dragons on a guaranteed deal could have added appeal if the 2025 season is likely to linger in DFA limbo and on the waiver wire. Mueller is still only 27 years old, so there’s plenty of time for him to return to the majors if he performs well in the NPB.
