Tag Archives: Andrew Miller

SNY:

The Yankees and Mets are both in the market to beef up their respective bullpens, but neither felt strongly enough to make an offer to left-hander Andrew Miller, according to SNY’s Andy Martino.

Miller, 33, signed with the Cardinals on Friday to a two-year, $25 million deal with a vesting option for 2021.

The Yankees and Mets both had initial interest in Miller but his durability concerns steered them away from the two-time All-Star.

The left-hander, who pitched for the Yankees in 2015 and half of 2016 before he was traded to the Indians, threw just 34 innings last season and held a 4.24 ERA (3.51 FIP) as he battled through knee, hamstring and shoulder injuries that resulted in three stints on the disabled list.

He had two stints on the DL in 2017, too, with patella tendinitis.

Good for the Mets. Miller’s recent stretch of injuries would concern me too, esp. at his age. And maybe the Mets don’t pursue a more reliable Jeurys Familia if they had signed Miller. For $25M over two years, IMO Miller just wasn’t worth the risk.

MLB.com:

New Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen’s “win-now” approach could include a significant addition to the bullpen, as a source tells MLB.com’s Jon Morosi that New York is interested in free-agent reliever Andrew Miller.

Miller is familiar with Mets manager Mickey Callaway, who served as the Indians’ pitching coach from 2013-17. But the landscape has changed for Miller since Callaway’s departure, as the lefty threw just 34 innings and endured multiple stints on the disabled list this past season while battling ailments in his right knee and throwing shoulder. Miller finished ’18 with a 4.24 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP — both his highest marks since he was primarily a starter with the Red Sox seven years ago — and he will enter his age-34 season in ’19.

Still, the Mets could use quality relief help as they enter a new era. SNY’s Andy Martino reported Tuesday that the club is thinking about pursuing a high-profile reliever such as Miller, Craig Kimbrel, Zach Britton, David Robertson and Adam Ottavino.

I’m not sure how I feel about this. Sure, everybody talks about that great year Miller had in 2016 and he’s had a great stretch from 2013 to 2018 as a reliever. But last year Miller was injured a lot and had a pretty down year at 34 when he did pitch. So concern about his age and body should be at a premium. Plus too, knowing how bad the Mets need bullpen help, I think that Robertson and/or Familia would be more reliable for the Mets and a better fit.