Indians Pick Up Andrew Miller: What Is The Fantasy Impact?

By Mike Marteny | Jul 31, 2016

Jul 12, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; American League pitcher Andrew Miller (48) of the New York Yankees throws a pitch in the 8th inning in the 2016 MLB All Star Game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Indians send prospects to Yankees for Andrew Miller

Jonathan Lucroy vetoed the trade that would send him to Cleveland. Plan B for the Indians was Andrew Miller. After what was given for Aroldis Chapman, what was the haul here? Here are the details:

Miller would have had plenty of fantasy value in New York anyway, but he could see more chances in Cleveland. Miller has been brilliant this year, going 6-1 with a 1.39 ERA ERA and 0.77 WHIP. He also has nine saves and 16 holds.

Miller’s value likely wont change much, but those of you who were counting on Cody Allen are in trouble. Allen has been outstanding after a rough April, but will now settle into a setup role. If you are in a league that counts holds, I would hang on to him. If not, his strikeout totals aren’t elite enough to use a roster spot on him.

Dellin Betances will likely take over as the Yankees closer. Betances has a 2.50 ERA and 0.99 WHIP. His elite strikeout totals have him owned in 65% of league already. If he is still available in your league, add him immediately. I would also target him in trades due to his elite strikeout potential.

Don’t call this rebuilding by the Yankees. They are rebuilding their farm system by retooling their bullpen. Their pen is still among the best in the American League.

More from Fantasy Baseball

Cleveland moved their top ranked prospect in Clint Frazier, and three others within their top 30. Frazier has been on dynasty league radars for a long time already, and this deal likely increases his value. The 21 year old Frazier was hitting .238 in five games at AAA so far. He will likely start at AAA for the Yankees as well. If he plays well, he could replace the struggling Aaron Hicks, but the Yankees wont bring him up if he wont play every day.

The 20 year old Sheffield is 7-5 with a 3.59 ERA for high-A Lynchburg. He was the best pitching prospect in Cleveland’s system, and has also appeared on dynasty league radars for some time. He may take a little longer to get to the majors for the Yankees, but he may have higher upside now.

The 24 year old Heller is 2-2 with a 2.49 ERA in 28 appearances for AAA Columbus. He could make an appearance in the Yankees bullpen at any time. If he does, he could be a solid source of holds, but the presence of Tyler Clippard really tempers his value.

The 23 year old Feyereisen is 4-3 with a 2.23 ERA in the bullpen for AA Akron. He could eventually be a big piece of the Yankee bullpen, but that is at least two years away.

This isn’t quite the haul that the Yankees got for Aroldis Chapman, but it’s close. In two bold moves, the Yankees have redefined their future without compromising the present. Even if they make no more moves, this deadline is a success for the Yankees.

Next: How Will Melancon's value change in Washington?

Stay tuned to Fantasy CPR for the impact of all the deadline deal and our daily DFS picks!

Home/Fantasy Baseball