The New York Yankees surprised the MLB in 2015 when they made the postseason as a wild card team. Although they lost to the Houston Astros in the ALWC Game, they have plenty to look forward to in 2016 as general manager Brian Cashman prepares to build a team for the future.
The latest rumors suggest Cashman will continue to improve the Yankees by whatever means possible.
Over the weekend we cited a report from FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal in which Cashman said he's open to all ideas and scenarios this offseason (mostly referring to trades and talks with other clubs). He said he doesn't envision the team moving youngsters Luis Severino, Greg Bird and Aaron Judge, but he will entertain discussions if other teams were to express interest.
But what about lights-out closer Andrew Miller?
"Yankees GM Brian Cashman has signaled he's willing to talk about just about anyone in trade, and while it's a long shot, that apparently even includes star closer Andrew Miller," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
"Other teams say Miller's name is out there a bit, though even they wonder how serious the Yankees are about it."
The left-hander thrived in his first year as a full-time ninth-inning man and maintained a 2.04 ERA and 0.86 WHIP while amassing 36 saves and 100 strikeouts in 60 games (61 2/3 innings). However, the Yankees also have star setup man Dellin Betances, who can take over as closer in the event Miller is moved.
"Others suggest the price tag would be very high for Miller, whose first year in New York was nothing short of brilliant. The Yankees would want an ace pitcher or some other huge return sources suggest, to so much as consider it."
Starting pitching is probably atop Cashman's list of priorities due to the countless problems the rotation endured this past season.
Miller, 30, signed a four-year, $36 million contract with New York last offseason and was among the best closers in the MLB this past year. Even with Miller and Betances as the anchor of the bullpen, the Yankees still pursued closers Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman prior to this year's trade deadline, which would have made for an unstoppable trio for innings 7-8-9.
However, this also suggests the Yankees had other ideas in mind. Maybe they're keen on selling high on Miller because of his success over the past four seasons. Although $9 million per year is a lot for a closer, Miller is worth every penny. He blew only two saves and had two losses in 2015. He has maintained a 2.53 ERA since 2012 as well.
Also, as for Kimbrel and Chapman, maybe Cashman felt he could swing a favorable deal for either one of those closers because of the current situations surrounding the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds. Neither team looks like an imminent contender and both players are making annual salaries that aren't worth paying for a losing club. Cashman couldn't strike a deal before July 31, but maybe he revisits those talks this offseason.
If, say, Yanks get something good back for Miller -- who btw had forearm issue -- and trade prospects for Kimbrel, better team.
— Andy Martino (@MartinoNYDN) November 9, 2015
The general managers meetings began today in Boca Raton, FL, and they'll continue until the 12th. Perhaps Cashman establishes the foundation for some trade talks this week.
Don't be surprised if the Yankees make significant move to help the club for 2016.
