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Dodgers could make a push for Andrew Miller, report says

Six months ago, in early December, the Los Angeles Dodgers believed that they had the ability to assemble the most formidable bullpen in the National League.

But the dream didn’t last too long.

In light of Aroldis Chapman’s domestic violence allegations that were later released to the public, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman elected to renounce the deal with the Cincinnati Reds for the 28-year-old, which led to the Yankees sweeping Chapman under the rug a few weeks after.

But the Dodgers have been in search for an additional bullpen piece since last winter, and with the lowest bullpen ERA (3.00) in the National League this season, Los Angeles wants to solidify its back-end dominance.

According to Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers’ interest in Chapman’s coworker, Andrew Miller, is still strong, understanding that a bidding war could take place if New York makes the left-handed tandem available:

In 30 games this season, in 2016, [Andrew Miller] has a 1.17 ERA and a 19-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He does not care what innings he pitches. He also is under contract through 2018, at the relative bargain of $9 million per season, which would create insurance for the Dodgers as closer Kenley Jansen becomes a free agent this winter.

While Los Angeles’ inquiries of Miller date back to last year, Friedman and the Dodgers’ front office hasn’t revealed any allure to the 31-year-old southpaw. But one Dodgers player believes that Miller should be the organization’s top priority this summer, per McCullough’s report:

Miller may be the best player available next month. “We can’t let the Giants or the Cubs get him,” said a Dodgers player who didn’t want to be identified offering advice to management. 

Despite the Chicago Cubs representing the silent frontrunner in a rumored sweepstakes for Miller and Chapman, Los Angeles also possesses upper-echelon talent in its farm system, and with a thin pitching market this winter, the Dodgers’ opportunity to land Miller is approaching if the Yankees are willing to listen.