Andrew Miller agrees to four-year deal with the Yankees

After acquiring Didi Gregorius to man shortstop earlier in the day, the New York Yankees bolstered their bullpen as the team announced a four-year, $36 million deal with left-handed reliever Andrew Miller.

Miller, 29, enjoyed his finest season to-date in 2014 as the tall, lanky and slim left-hander pitched to a dazzling 2.02 ERA in 62 1/3 innings pitched, while posting an AL record 14.9 K/9 rate. Miller also added 7.1 shutout innings in the postseason for the Baltimore Orioles, the team that acquired Miller at the trade deadline from the Boston Red Sox.

Despite rumors of Miller signing to be a closer for the team, Yankees GM Brian Cashman appeared on the Michael Kay Show and confirmed Miller’s role with the team this season.

“I’m not signing him to be our closer,” said Cashman. “I’m signing him to be a weapon in our bullpen.”

With Dellin Betances‘ electric stuff that dominated hitters last season, the Yankees will now carry one of the most dominant right-left handed duos in any major league bullpen. Although the singing doesn’t negate the possibility of the Yankees retaining David Robertson, it seems as though the Yankees will let Robertson walk, allowing them to get a compensation pick as Miller’s midseason trade didn’t allow the Orioles to give the left-hander a qualifying offer.

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Having enjoyed the best season of his career in 2014 allowed Miller to receive the largest contract ever given to a reliever that isn’t a closer. However, Miller does come with some warning flags as prior to 2014, Miller routinely struggled with his control as for his career, he owns a 4.9 BB/9 ratio. Miller also suffered significant injuries as a strained hamstring and lis-franc fracture in foot limited Miller in both 2012 and 2013.

So in coming to the bullpen in the Bronx, Miller will have to trim both his hair and walk rate.