New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman wasn’t kidding when he said he was willing to talk about anyone in trade talks this offseason.
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Yankees are willing to discuss potential trades that involve closer Andrew Miller. Other teams have told Heyman that Miller’s name has been out there, but rival executives wonder how serious the Yankees are about it at this time.
yankees gm cashman willing to listen to offers for star closer andrew miller: https://t.co/5fyivmaC8b
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) November 9, 2015
In his first season in pinstripes, Miller was outstanding. The 30-year old served as a full-time closer for the first time in his career, and picked up 36 saves in the process. In 60 appearances, the left-hander posted a 2.04 ERA, and was awarded the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award during this year’s World Series.
According to Heyman’s report, here’s what Cashman had to say in regards to the Miller trade talks: “We’re open to all ideas — as always. It doesn’t mean I’d do anything but if the Dutch never asked the Indians for Manhattan you’d be living in New Jersey.”
If the Yankees do pull the trigger on a deal involving their star closer, the price tag definitely won’t be cheap.
Andrew Miller obviously wouldn’t come cheap. Yanks would seek ace type or haul in return, someone like Stephen strasburg. — Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) November 9, 2015
Heyman brings up Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg as a possible trade candidate. It might be difficult for the Nationals to re-sign their young star, so they might look to get something valuable in return before he hits the free agent market in 2017.
With the Yankees having Dellin Betances at the back-end of the bullpen, the team does have some flexibility. If the team elects to trade Miller, Betances could slide right into the closer’s role, but if the team wants to keep Betances in the setup man role, they could elect to reopen trade talks for a closer such as Craig Kimbrel of the San Diego Padres or Aroldis Chapman of the Cincinnati Reds.
Although they are just rumors at this point, it will be interesting to see what the Yankees do this offseason, as it appears they are willing to move any player on their roster to improve for 2016 and beyond.
