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Yankees Rumors: Andrew Miller A Target Ahead Of David Robertson?

By Hayden Kane

Sep 1, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches during the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Minnesota Twins defeated Baltimore Orioles 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches during the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Minnesota Twins defeated Baltimore Orioles 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Yankees are likely to sign a reliever for the back of their bullpen this MLB off-season. Recent rumors suggest that they could prioritize Andrew Miller ahead of closer David Robertson.

The New York Yankees issued a qualifying offer to closer David Robertson. If he had accepted it, he would have been paid $15.3 million to close, a huge number for a relief pitcher. Robertson declined the offer, eyeing an even bigger, multi-year deal.

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There’s still a chance he would get just such a deal from the Yankees, but it is sounding increasingly less likely. And if the Yankees do look elsewhere, they could have their eyes on another free agent reliever who is in the market for a big payday this off-season.

Jon Heyman of CBS reports that the New York front office might shift their focus to the left-handed Andrew Miller, who was nothing short of outstanding as he split his time between two American League East teams, the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, over the course of the 2014 season.

Heyman writes:

"Star closer David Robertson seems likely to get a four-year deal somewhere — but it probably wouldn’t be from his old Yankees team.The Yankees seem perhaps willing to go four years for a reliever — but in a twist, it seems more likely to be top set-up man Andrew Miller if they do so."

Four years is a lot given the uncertainty that accompanies even the best relief pitchers, but Miller had such an impact last season that it’s not surprising he will get just such a deal. In 73 games, Miller posted a 2.02 ERA and an incredible 14.9 K/9 mark. The former first round pick flamed out as a starting pitcher, but he has transformed into an elite reliever.

If the Yankees steered their attention to Miller instead of Robertson, it would leave open the option to to get a compensatory pick if Robertson signs elsewhere. Nothing is certain yet, but if the Yankees managed to get Miller and a pick, that would be a successful set of moves this off-season indeed.

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