New York Yankees: Grading The Offseason

Oct 15, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Miller throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the 7th inning in game four of the 2014 ALCS playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

5. Signed LHP Andrew Miller

Grade: A-

Miller was dominant for Boston and Baltimore last season. The only thing is, at age 29, it was the first time in his career that he was dominant. Miller has had high expectations ever since he was drafted 6th overall in 2006 by the Tigers. He was unable to make it as a starter and the Red Sox converted him to a reliever during the 2012 season. He pitched well enough to stay in the bullpen, but was traded to Baltimore in July of 2014. His 2014 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), which is a better indicator of a pitcher’s skill than ERA, was 1.51 per fangraphs. He also pitched well on the national stage for the Orioles in the playoffs, throwing 3.1 innings of no-hit and no run baseball against the Tigers.

There is some risk with Miller, as his fastball velocity has been on the decline. It was 95.0 in 2012, 94.3 in 2013, and 93.8 in 2014. He is not cheap either. The Yankees signed him to a 4-year deal for $9 million annually, making him tied with Jonathan Broxton for highest paid reliever (closing pitchers excluded). I still like the move as they were able to improve their bullpen while taking away a piece of the division winner’s bullpen.

Next: Big Re-signing