In 2016, the Yankees traded for Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman after his value dropped due to a Domestic Violence incident. Paired with dominant relievers Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances, the trio became known as No-Runs D.M.C. The group would not last long, as Miller would be traded to the Cleveland Indians that same year. In return, the Yankees received a haul of prospects headlined by outfielder Clint Frazier and pitcher Justus Sheffield.
Fast forward to this offseason, and the Yankees are in need of two quality relief pitchers. If GM Brian Cashman makes the right moves, No-Runs D.M.C. may be on course for a comeback tour.
Should the New York Yankees Consider LHP Andrew Miller?
2018 Stats (CLE):
2-4, 4.24 ERA, 37 Games, 45 SO, 2 Saves, 34 IP, 1.382 WHIP, 0.2 WAR
Miller is coming off an injury-riddled 2018 that saw him post his highest ERA since 2010. He’s been on the disabled list five times in the last two years, including last year with knee, hamstring, and shoulder problems. This followed an excellent 2016 when he helped lead Cleveland to their first AL Pennant since 1997. For his efforts during that postseason run, Miller was named ALCS MVP.
His injuries could be a result of how much he was used over the past few years. He threw 74.1 innings in the 2016 regular season, his highest as a relief pitcher. Add in the 19.1 innings for that postseason, and you got his highest total workload since 2008 when he threw 107.1 innings as a starter for the Florida Marlins.
It’s no secret that when he is healthy, Miller is one of the most lethal relievers in the game today. The two-time All-Star has pitched to a 2.23 ERA during his two and a half-year tenure in Cleveland. In his career, he has allowed a .204/.289/.319 slash line in high leverage situations. These numbers help make him a prime target for teams with bullpen needs, such as the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox among others. That, plus the thin market for left-handed relief pitchers will play into Miller’s favor in contract negotiations.
The question is, can bounce back from his injury-plagued 2018 and put up the numbers that helped Cleveland to an AL Pennant? Or is his injuries a sign that he is starting a decline from overuse?
Contract Prediction: 3-4 years, $40-$50 Million