MLB Trade Deadline: 15 deals that should happen

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Jun 25, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees winning pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches against the Minnesota Twins in the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Andrew Miller to the Chicago Cubs

While Chapman might be the biggest Yankee on the market in terms of name recognition, Brian Cashman’s most valuable trade chip is easily Miller. The dominant setup man would return a package of young talent to help New York get back towards contention quickly by strengthening areas of the roster outside of the bullpen.

Since converting from a starter to the bullpen in 2012, Miller has been one of the best relievers in the game. Miller has posted no worse than a 2.64 ERA, 3.05 FIP or K/9 rate of 14.09 according to FanGraphs, and would be a huge addition to any bullpen in the Majors.

The Yankees might use Chapman as the primary closer, but Miller has been better this year, compiling a 1.34 ERA (1.41 FIP) and 63 strikeouts to three walks in 33.2 innings. Helping matters is the fact that Miller is under contract for another two years beyond 2016, so his value is much higher than any other reliever on the market.

While contenders are always looking for bullpen help at the trade deadline, the Cubs are the best fit for Miller and are one of the few teams who could put together a reasonable offer for him. Chicago will be going all-out at the trade deadline as the current World Series favorite, and needs to upgrade its bullpen beyond closer Hector Rondon.

Whether the Cubs move Miller to closer or use him as a high-leverage relief ace, he will be a huge boost to the team come playoff time. The Cubs could offer young MLB ready talent like Kyle Schwarber or Jorge Soler while also dipping into their loaded farm system to land Miller.

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