Andrew Miller gave the Yankees everything and more in his first year in pinstripes, and now he’s getting rewarded for it.
Prior to game two of the World Series, Miller was presented with the Mariano Rivera relief award, which is given out each year to the best reliever in the AL. Mo himself bestowed the award upon the current Yankees closer.
Miller, who’s earning $9M per year through 2018, was worth every penny to the Yankees in 2015. He finished the year tied for third in the AL with 36 saves, while compiling a minuscule 2.04 ERA.
His 100 strikeouts for a reliever ranked only behind Dellin Betances (131) and Aroldis Chapman (116). He also finished second with a .151 batting average against, just behind Royals closer Wade Davis (.144). Miller’s impressive numbers could have been better if not for a left forearm strain that sidelined him for a month back in June.
Even though Miller won the award, you can make a strong case for Betances, who turned in his second stellar season in a row. The two relievers combined for a deadly 1-2 punch in the backend of the Yankees bullpen, which was a strength for the team all year. They’ll look to continue their dominance moving forward next season.
