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Yankees Editorial: Who Will Be the Next New York Yankees Closer? Andrew Miller Weighs In

By Michael Cambria

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Andrew Miller has yet to fire his first strike as a member of the New York Yankees, but the organization is wasting little time in getting to know him.

Miller, projected to be a left-handed weapon and focal point to the Yankees bullpen, signed a four-year, $36 million contract with the Yankees this off-season. Conveniently, he resides in Tampa, Florida, which is  home to spring training for the New York Yankees, and where he’s been working out for quite some time with the organization despite the fact that pitchers and catchers aren’t set to report until February 19th.

Interestingly enough, February 19th is the same date in which the Yankees will begin to decide between Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances on who will take over for David Robertson as their next closer. Normally, manager Joe Girardi would like his relievers to know their bullpen roles early on in the year, but Miller told MLB Trade Rumors Podcast on Thursday that he doesn’t care if he takes over the closer role or not.

“I’ve never been a closer so it’s not like I’m building a resume,” Miller said. “I’m not worried about that kind of thing. I think we’ve all seen the value of relievers getting outs in those sixth, seventh and eighth innings now. Like I said, I just want to be part of a good team and I think that flexibility opens more windows and more doors for me.”

In my opinion, the Yankees likely won’t go wrong with whoever they choose. According to baseball reference, Miller, 29, struck out 15.3 batters per nine innings last season while walking just 1.8 while posting a 2.02 ERA. On the other hand, in an All-Star season, the 26-year old Betances posted a 1.40 ERA while fanning 13.5 per nine and walking just 2.4.

What do you think Yankees fans? Will the ninth inning be Miller Time in the Bronx? Or will the Yankees elect to go with the ‘Baby Unit’? Let us know in the comments below.

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