The rumor: Free-agent reliever Andrew Miller is seeking at least a four-year deal and “isn’t listening to any other offers unless the average annual value is ‘astounding,’ " Jason Mastrodonato of MassLive.com reports .
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The rationale: Miller, 29, is perhaps the best relief pitcher on the market after a great year for the Red Sox and Orioles (73 games, 2.02 ERA, 1.51 FIP, 14.9 K/9, 4.8 H/9). He followed that with a dominant postseason, allowing just one hit and one walk in 7.1 innings for Baltimore.
And because he was traded midseason, Miller won’t cost the signing team a draft pick. David Roberton, the other top free-agent reliever, will.
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The reality: Lots of teams are looking for bullpen help (hi, Tigers!) and there isn’t a ton of front-line talent available beyond Miller and Robertson. He’s a bit of a risk given that he outperformed his career norms in 2014, but many GMs are dreaming of having their own Kelvin Herrera/Wade Davis/Greg Holland combo. Miller would get them one-third of the way there.
Look for Miller to get a four-year deal, probably for something in excess of $30 million.
