While many thought the arrival of Aroldis Chapman would signal the end of Andrew Miller‘s time in New York, that does not appear to be the case. GM Brian Cashman likes the idea of having Chapman, Miller, and Dellin Betances in the bullpen to close out games. In fact, Miller has endorsed the idea of having Chapman as a part of the bullpen even if he takes over the closer role held by Miller a year ago.
“I signed with the Yankees to win and I’m not stupid, he’s a heck of a pitcher,” Miller told NJ Advance Media in a phone interview.
He also told NJ Advance Media he “signed with the Yankees to win championships, and whoever is making the decisions thinks this is the way to go, that’s fine by me.”
Miller is coming off of one of his best seasons in the majors at 30 years-old in 2015. The dominant lefty cashed in on 36 of 38 save opportunities including a 2.04 ERA. He also took home the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award.
The Yankees knew they had a dominant reliever with Betances before the beginning of last season, but they decided to boost the bullpen by signing Miller to a four-year, $36-million contract in December of 2014. Now a full year after the Miller signing, the Yankees create an even more formidable force by adding Chapman, and Miller is excited to see what is in store for the Yankees in 2016.
None of the relievers have a defined role going into spring training, which is okay with Miller who was in a similar situation a year ago. No matter what his role is, the imposing lefty is focused on helping the team win and bring the trophy back to the Bronx.
“Like I told (Cashman) Day 1 this time last year, I’m here to help in any capacity that I can,” Miller said via
It is assumed Chapman will slide into the closer spot in 2016, but the team has not made the decision yet. While it is unclear who will be the closer, one thing is certain; the Yankees are continuing to bolster their bullpen into one of the games best.
