The New York Yankees never seem to let an offseason go by without making at least one big costless agent splash signing. They have now done just that this time around as well. The Yankees have announced the signing of top costless agent reliever Andrew Miller to a four-year, $36-million contract.
#Yankees sign LHP Andrew Miller to a four-year deal through the 2018 season.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) December 5, 2014
Miller was CBS Sports.com's #8 costless agent pitcher and highest-rated reliever. Many teams sought the left-hander, and with the Yankees apparently losing closer David Robertson to costless agency, they can now move flame-thrower Dellin Betances into the closer's role. That move leaves the main setup role open, and Miller will fill it more than admirably.
While the Yankees' tweet does not indicate Miller's salary, MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reports that the contract is worth $36-million, making the average annual value $9 million. Miller, who will turn 30 just 1 1/2 months into the new season, made $1.9 million while splitting his 2014 campaign between the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles. Overall, he put up totals of a 5-5 record, 2.02 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 14.9 K/9 IP, 1.51 FIP, and 1.8 WAR. He flourished in Baltimore after the July 31 deadline trade: 2-0, 1.35 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, 15.3 K/9 IP, 1.13 FIP, and 0.9 WAR in 23 appearances.
Sullivan notes that Miller's strikeouts per nine innings ranked second in the Major Leagues among pitchers with at least 60 innings, and his WHIP ranked fourth.
Moreover, Miller was equally effective against right- and left-handed hitters in 2014. He held right-handed hitters to a .145 average and one home run while lefties faired only slightly better at .163 with two home runs.
The Yankees also acquired shortstop Didi Gregorius from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-team trade. The Yankees sent pitcher Shane Greene to the Detroit Tigers, and the Diamondbacks received lefty Robbie Ray and a Minor League infielder from Detroit. This trade also occurred early Friday afternoon.