Free Agent Update: Andrew Miller Nearing Deal

This year’s crop of free agents is highlighted by three very talented starting pitchers and a great class of relievers. While the main prize among this group is the Yankees own David Robertson, the Bombers are unwilling to meet his demand of a contract of at least 4 years $50 million dollars. It’s lo0king more and more likely that the Yankees will let him sign elsewhere and simply collect a draft pick in return. But, there is one reliever that they appear willing to give a long term deal and the competition for his services is nearing a conclusion. 

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Andrew Miller is one of the premier relievers in baseball and the market for him has been larger than Robertson’s so far. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports the left hander is nearing a decision and the Yankees are one of the finalists. According to Heyman the Yankees and Houston Astros are the final teams in the running for Miller with the Los Angeles Dodgers fading from race. The Red Sox are almost officially out of the running.

The Yankees and General Manager Brian Cashman have been connected to big name bullpen arms since Cashman pointed out that one of his off season goals is to build a bullpen comparable to the Kansas City Royals 2014 model. Heyman notes that the Yankees are more willing to go four years on Miller because, as a setup man, his annual cost should be noticeably lower than Robertson’s.

However, the Yankees may decide to sign Miller and Robertson to create a very talented Three Headed Monster out of the pen. But, this remains to be seen and other factors contribute to this decision. If Robertson goes elsewhere and Miller decides to wear pinstripes he would probably serve as the setup man to star youngster Dellin Betances.

The Astros have been in discussion with many of the better available relievers including Robertson and former Giants’ closer Sergio Romo. While their interest in Miller is significant the Yankees appear to be the front runners. It’s worth noting, however, that the good old U.S. Government may have a say in Miller’s final decision. You see, there is no state taxes on revenue in Texas which has attracted free agents to Houston and the Texas Rangers in the past. As for New York… If you live there you already know that it has some steep state taxes. While this isn’t a HUGE factor it could come into play.

A decision from Miller is expected in the next day or two and could have a big impact on the Yankees’ off season going forward.