Chris Muller (baseball)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Chris Muller | |
|---|---|
| Free agent | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: April 22, 1996 Dallas, Texas, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right |
Christopher Robert Muller (born April 22, 1996) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He is currently a phantom ballplayer, having spent three days on the Tampa Bay Rays' active roster without appearing in a big-league game.
During his early years Muller was a standout pitcher for the Which Wich Grinders and attended Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas, Texas.[1] He attended Paris Junior College, where he began his college baseball career, and transferred to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to play for the UTSA Roadrunners.[2][3]
Professional career
Tampa Bay Rays
Muller was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 17th round, with the 499th overall selection, of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft.[4] He signed with the Rays on June 19, 2017.[5] He made his professional debut in 2018, splitting time between the rookie-level Gulf Coast Rays and Low-A Hudson Valley Renegades. In 14 games, he posted a 2.28 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 23.2 innings pitched.[6] In 2019, he pitched in 31 games for the Single-A Bowling Green Hot Rods, logging a 2–5 record and 2.88 ERA with 87 strikeouts and 4 saves in 56.1 innings pitched.[7]
Miller did not play in a minor league game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.[8] He instead played for the Sugar Land Lightning Sloths of the Constellation Energy League, where he logged a 5.63 ERA with 9 strikeouts and 2 saves in 7 appearances.[9] He spent the 2021 season split between Bowling Green and the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits. In 21 combined appearances, he registered a 4.98 ERA with 32 strikeouts and 7 saves in 21.2 innings pitched.[10]
He spent the 2022 season with the Triple-A Durham Bulls, making 51 appearances and registering a 5–3 record and 4.91 ERA with 75 strikeouts and 2 saves in 58.2 innings pitched.[11] Muller was assigned to Triple-A Durham to begin the 2023 season, where he made 14 appearances and posted a 3.71 ERA with 19 strikeouts and 1 save in 17.0 innings pitched.[12]
Following an injury to Drew Rasmussen, on May 12, 2023, Muller was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[13] Muller did not make an appearance for the Rays and was optioned to Triple-A on May 15 when Pete Fairbanks was activated off of the injured list, making him a phantom ballplayer.[14] On May 28, Muller was designated for assignment following the promotion of Joe LaSorsa.[15] He cleared waivers and was released by the Rays on May 29.[16] He re-signed with the team on a minor league contract on June 15.[17] After 6 scoreless appearances for the rookie–level Florida Complex League Rays, Muller was released for a second time on August 3.[18]
Chicago White Sox
On August 6, 2023, Muller signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox organization.[19] He made 9 appearances for the Triple–A Charlotte Knights, struggling to an 11.88 ERA with 7 strikeouts across 8+1⁄3 innings pitched. Muller elected free agency following the season on November 6.[20]
Cleburne Railroaders
On March 22, 2024, Muller signed with the Cleburne Railroaders of the American Association of Professional Baseball.[21] In 33 appearances for Cleburne, he recorded a 3.43 ERA with 51 strikeouts and 4 saves across 42 innings of work.
Rieleros de Aguascalientes
On April 17, 2025, Muller signed with the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League.[22] In nine appearances for Aguascalientes, he struggled to a 1-1 record and 11.88 ERA with six strikeouts across 8+1⁄3 innings pitched. Muller was released by the Rieleros on May 3.[23]
Acereros de Monclova
On May 4, 2025, Muller signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.[24] In 32 games 34 innings of relief he went 0-3 with a 4.24 ERA with 19 walks and 26 strikeouts. He was released on January 23, 2026.[25]