Highly coveted free agent reliever Andrew Miller appears to be closing in on a deal, according to a report by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
When Miller signs, he will become the highest paid reliever (who isn’t a closer) in baseball history. When the veteran left-hander’s market first started developing, as many as 22 teams were involved, but now that list has shrunk to just a few teams and it appears that the big boys are involved.
According to Heyman, the New York Yankees are battling with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros for his services while the Boston Red Sox are out of the running.
The Yankees want to fortify their bullpen that will include young reliever Dellin Betances. New York seems more willing to give Miller a fourth year as oppose to giving it to David Robertson because Robertson is expected to make more money.
If Miller joins the Yankees then the Robertson era would be over in the Bronx. Betances would probably assume the closer’s role while Miller will be the club’s set-up man.
The Astros seem to have the intent on adding a big name reliever to lead their bullpen in 2015. Houston has also checked in on Robertson and Sergio Romo. Heyman is reporting that Astros’ owner Jim Crane is involved in negotiations with Miller.
According to Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle, the Astros are not likely to sign Miller, which makes the Yankees the presumptive favorite for his services as of Wednesday.
Miller is projected by mlbtraderumors.com to receive a four-year, $32 million deal, but after an amazing season in 2014, Miller could receive closer to $40 million. The Yankees seem like the team in the best position to sign him to that contract.
According to Heyman, the Dodgers aren’t seen as the favorite because they are reluctant to add another high priced reliever.
Miller’s decision is expected to come in the next day or two.
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