MLB Trade Rumors: Diamondbacks inquiring about Andrew Miller
The Diamondbacks are serious about improving this offseason. They’ve proven this by inquiring about Yankees closer Andrew Miller, who is on the trade block.
The New York Yankees recently said that they were open to trading closer Andrew Miller if they could get a substantial package in return for him. The Arizona Diamondbacks are one of the teams that have expressed interest in him. The Diamondbacks would drastically improve their bullpen should they acquire Miller.
Sources: #DBacks among teams to inquire on #Yankees’ Miller. No names exchanged yet, but AZ has young SPs, IFers who would interest NYY.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 11, 2015
The Yankees would likely need to get a huge return for their elite closer who still has three years left on his deal and is only 30 years old. Who could the Diamondbacks feasibly offer for the closer? Sorry Yankees fans, I think it’s safe to say that Paul Goldschmidt is untouchable.
One name that could surface is Arizona’s top pitching prospect Aaron Blair. In order to get talent, you’ve got to give it up. Three years of Miller is probably worth it if the Diamondbacks make other improvements to their team. Arizona will likely not want to include Blair in the deal because they think very highly of him.
A more realistic name that could be in the package is right-handed pitcher Braden Shipley. Shipley is close to being MLB ready and is 23 years old. He has the lively arm that the Yankees have been pursuing as of late. It would likely take more than just Shipley to pry Andrew Miller from the Yankees.
An infielder who could be a part of the package is Brandon Drury. He’s a natural shortstop who could move to second base. His defense is above average and his bat could develop into something special. His recent drop in power is a tad bit concerning, though.
A Blair and Drury for Andrew Miller package would be beneficial for both sides. The Yankees would likely have to add something else to even out the package, but they would continue to get younger. They get two potential cost-effective starters for a guy who they might not need. They’ve been actively trying to do that to counter their quickly-aging core. The Diamondbacks could benefit too as long as they continue to make moves to improve their team. One thing’s for sure – the Diamondbacks are ready to compete.