MLB rumors: Andrew Miller wants four-year deal or more

Justin McGuire

MLB rumors: Andrew Miller wants four-year deal or more image

Baseball's offseason rumor mill is often more about churning out quantity than quality, so we’ll try our best to help you figure out which rumors are at least based in reality. 

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.

Justin McGuire