Cleveland Indians: Would it make sense to deal Andrew Miller?
By David Hill
The Cleveland Indians window may be starting to close. Would it make sense for the Tribe to look to the future and trade AndreW Miller?
One of the strengths for the Cleveland Indians over the past season and a half has been the back end of their bullpen. After acquiring Andrew Miller from the New York Yankees, the Indians had one of the best one-two punches in baseball in their relief corps, helping propel Cleveland tot he 2016 World Series.
However, as the Indians head into the 2018 season, they are a team in transition. Both Allen and closer Cody Miller are free agents, as is back of the rotation starter Josh Tomlin. Carlos Santana has already departed as a free agent, and was replaced with Yonder Alonso. While Cleveland has designs on competing this season, and are the likely favorites in the American League Central, their payroll limitations make it unlikely that they would be able to retain the duo beyond this season.
Given that Wade Davis just signed a mind boggling three year contract worth $52 Million, relievers are worth a premium price. Meanwhile, the Indians have Miller, who is making just $9 Million this season. Since converting to the bullpen on a full time basis, Miller has posted a 2.01 ERA and a 0.892 WHiP, striking out 520 batters in 332 innings. He has simply dominated the opposition, becoming one of the best relievers in the game. Given his value and low cost, should the Indians consider trading Miller, and restocking their farm system for a run in the future?
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Essentially, for the Indians, it comes down to the short term versus the long term. While the American League has gotten stronger during the offseason, the Central has not seen the balance of power shift. The Indians still appear to be in control, and that duo of Miller and Allen in the postseason can make a major difference.
However, that hold on the Central is tenuous. The Twins surprised last year, and have been looking to upgrade their roster during free agency. Minnesota has seemingly been linked to every top free agent starter available, and appear to be trying to go all in for the coming season. Should they add a starter like Yu Darvish or Jake Arrieta, that balance of power can change.
Even if that happens, the Indians still have a strong chance in the Central. As tempting as it may be to move Miller for a package of prospects to help solidify the future, those championship flags fly forever. With Cleveland still looking to break the Curse of Rocky Colavito, retaining Miller will help that possibility.
Next: Indians top ten prospects
At this point, the Cleveland Indians should not trade Andrew Miller. Of course, that is subject to change, depending on how the offseason goes.