MLB rumors: Reunion between Yankees and lefty reliever could make sense under the right conditions

Former New York Yankees reliever Andrew Miller, who spent the last three seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, will be a free agent this winter.
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It could be with former New York Yankees left-hander Andrew Miller, who will be a free agent after the 2021 World Series

Yes, the 36-year-old southpaw isn’t what he used to be, coming off a three-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals after a disappointing 2021 season which saw him post a 4.75 ERA in 40 appearances.

But the Yankees will head into 2022 with Zack Britton on the shelf after having Tommy John surgery. And don’t forget how shaky closer Aroldis Chapman was at times in 2021.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Miller’s “once-elite strikeout rate dipped to league average this past season, and opposing hitters are no longer chasing pitches outside the strike zone the way they used to as Miller’s average fastball velocity has fallen below 90 MPH.”

But the site also noted that if used correctly, Miller could still be a valuable bullpen piece in 2022.

Miller’s a respected clubhouse presence, and he’s continued to stifle same-handed hitters. Over the past two seasons, lefties have just a .176/.260/.259 line against him. Miller can probably still be effective in a limited situational role.

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Miller signed with the Yankees as a free agent following the 2014 season. In 2015 and 2016, he made a combined 69 appearances with the Yankees, posting a stellar 1.77 ERA and collecting 45 saves.

The Yankees traded him before the 2016 deadline to the Cleveland Indians for J.P. Feyereisen, Clint Frazier, Ben Heller and Justus Sheffield.

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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.

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