The New York Yankees have made it clear they are still open to making trades at this point in the offseason as they still have a few upgrades that must be made. The issue is that very few of their players are garnering trade interest following the winter meetings. After the team attempted to shop Brett Gardner and Ivan Nova earlier in the offseason, no deals were made. Now it is Andrew Miller that could be gaining the interest the Yankees need to make a trade.
According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the Los Angeles Dodgers are now showing interest in closer Andrew Miller who is reportedly available. The Dodgers have been linked to a trade involving Aroldis Chapman that appeared to be complete until it was revealed the closer was the subject of an investigation involving domestic violence. According to Heyman, the Dodgers are now moving on from the idea of trading for Chapman and have targeted Miller as the next-best option. Los Angeles has loaded up on young prospects this offseason which means they have the means to pull off the trade.
Miller has heard the talk involving him this offseason. The closer wrapped up a successful first season with the Yankees putting up a 2.04 ERA with 100 strikeouts. He is owed $27 million over the next three seasons which is why the Yankees are eyeing trade deals. Miller made it clear to the media that he would like to stay in New York and is hopeful that no trade comes together.
"I like playing for the Yankees, that's where I hope I'm at," Miller said, via MLB.com. "But whatever happens, happens, and I'll make the most of it. But for now I'm a Yankee and that's where I want to be."
Manager Joe Girardi admitted he has concerns about pitching for the Yankees this season. A trade of Miller could get the team a young arm they need to help balance the rotation and the bullpen. According to the Yankees' manager the health of players lie Nova, Masahiro Tanaka and Nathan Eovaldi along with the struggles of CC Sabathia have him worried and a trade might be the only way to get that issue fixed. According to Andrew Marchand of ESPN, the team has no interest in making Rob Refsnyder or Greg Bird available along with Luis Severino. Miller or Gardner might be the team's best options to getting a trade deal this offseason.
