Fansided

Five closers still on the trade market

By Thomas Conroy

May 3, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) reacts with catcher Brian McCann (34) after defeating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) reacts with catcher Brian McCann (34) after defeating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 26, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees defeated the Royals 5 - 1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees defeated the Royals 5 – 1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Andrew Miller – New York Yankees

Late-inning closers have become a valuable commodity on the trade market, which is the only reason why the New York Yankees would consider moving Andrew Miller after a terrific first season with the team.The combination of Dellin Betances and Miller has given the Yankees the best one-two punch out of the bullpen in baseball today.

If the Yanks do deal him, then they want to receive a top-flight starting pitcher in return; however it still remains to be seen how motivated they are in trading Miller away. The back of their bullpen is a definite strength, but the Yankees would be smart to take full advantage of the marketplace if they can acquire valuable pieces in return for Miller.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman must be firmly convinced that Betances can takeover the closer’s role should he decide to trade Miller. His statistical numbers are off the charts from last season, as Betances had 1.50 ERA with a 1.012 WHIP and a strikeout rate-per-nine-innings of 14.0 in 74 relief appearances. These are shocking numbers for a right-handed pitcher that plays his home games exclusively in Yankee Stadium.

A possible landing spot for Miller is the Nationals, as they’re looking to revamp the entire look of their bullpen. A team like the Dodgers could also get into the mix for him, especially after the news of them negating the Chapman trade. Miller is a better fit to the current state of their bullpen, as he has a proven track record in the setup role, which is ideal for the Dodgers if they decide to keep Kenley Jansen as their main closer.

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