It was reported a few weeks ago that reliever Andrew Miller had a number of multi-year offers on the table, but the teams were unknown. With an obvious void at the closer role, the New York Yankees have jumped into the race to acquire the left-hander.
According to ESPN's Bustler Olney, sources have confirmed that the New York Yankees are "one of the teams in serious pursuit of the left-handed reliever." Miller has had three solid seasons as a reliever after struggling in his first six with the Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins and Boston Red Sox. His best came in 2014 with the Red Sox and Orioles, during which he compiled a 5-5 record with a 2.02 ERA, a 0.80 WHIP and 103 strikeouts in 62 1/3 innings pitched.
Closer David Robertson rejected the Yankees' qualifying offer and is now seeking "Jonathan Papelbon money," which insinuates a four-year deal in the $50 million range. New York is not expected to give Robertson that type of money since they have a number of other glaring needs a second base, shortstop, third base and the starting rotation. Miller will be a much cheaper option and has a lot of experience pitching in the AL East, so the Yankees have engaged in his pursuit to actually sign him or to drive the cost down in negotiations with Robertson.
Another interesting development includes the Yankees signing both Miller and Roberston. An official with knowledge of the Yankees' thinking told ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand that the team could potentially work on acquiring both relievers and join them with Dellin Betances to construct arguably one of the best bullpens in the MLB. This would be a good alternative solution since the free agent market is thin on infielders, which New York is in dire need of. With what looks to be a weak-hitting infield heading into 2015, the Yankees may work on constructing a dominant bullpen to keep close games within reach.
This is no guarantee because an MLB executive has informed Jon Heyman of CBS Sports that Robertson currently has a $39 million offer on the table and it's only expected to increase at this point in time. That amount of money is still probably out of Brian Cashman's comfort zone.
But if the Yankees land Miller and let Robertson walk, they'll at least receive a first round pick in June's draft because Robertson rejected the team's qualifying offer. The problem is, signing Miller will not be an easy task since the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers are now in pursuit of him as well. The Red Sox may have an advantage because Miller played four seasons there and the Dodgers may give him an offer he can't refuse because they're in desperate need of bullpen help.
All we know right now is that Robertson and Miller are expected to receive lucrative multi-year contracts this offseason.