The New York Yankees have made a lot of moves this offseason in order to beef up their roster. They acquired Starlin Castro to stabilize the infield and Aroldis Chapman to add to the already-stellar closing rotation. Those deals will potentially force other trades for the Yankees as Andrew Miller could be on his way out if the right offer comes into play.
According to the New York Times, manager Joe Girardi has named Chapman the official closer for the Yankees in 2016. Chapman will be the lead closer over Miller who had the role last year. There is uncertainty around the pitcher's availability to start the season. According to the Times, the MLB is still investigating the domestic violence charges on Chapman that could lead to a suspension for some time during the season.
Miller will now assume a setup role, something he may or may not be fine with. There are trade rumors floating around regarding the closer who is a bargain in terms of his contract. General manager Brian Cashman has stated that for now Miller is going nowhere, but if a good offer comes in the Yankees could bite. NJ.com has reported that the Yankees are asking for a lot for Miller which could determine whether or not he is traded. For his own part, Miller has made it clear he does not want to go anywhere despite Chapman coming on board.
"I signed with the Yankees to win and I'm not stupid, he's a heck of a pitcher," Miller said, via NJ.com. "This is what I signed up for. I signed up to play for the Yankees, to win championships, and if (general manager Brian) Cashman and the Stenbrenners and whoever is part of the decision-making process thinks this is part of the answer, and that this is the way to go about it, that's fine by me."
If Miller is not traded, the Yankees have other options to make deals if they want to. According to MLB.com, Ivan Nova is still garnering some interest on the open market, but the Yankees cannot have high demands on a return for the pitcher. Nova struggled to return from Tommy John surgery which is why he is available in the first place. Nova could develop in the offseason and return to his old self which is what the Yankees are hoping other teams see.
Rob Refsnyder could be available as well. According to Cashman via ESPN.com, the Yankees are not planning on trading Refsnyder just because Castro is taking over the infield, but if an offer came in, they might not refuse it. For the time being Refsnyder along with Greg Bird will be headed to Triple-A to play the year until they are called up.
