Even after signing Andrew Miller to a four-year deal this afternoon, the Yankees haven't ruled out a reunion with free agent closer David Robertson. Buster Olney reports that the Yankees are still interested in bringing Robertson back if his price comes down from the current Papelbonesque levels. Signing Miller means that they have leverage to use against Robertson and aren't required to break the bank for him if another team offers a huge contract.
Adding Miller to the bullpen alongside Dellin Betances gives the Yankees a similar one-two punch in the later innings like they had last year with Betances and Robertson. Bringing Robertson back would give them one of the best bullpens in baseball, if not the best, but it would also require likely handing out another four-year deal to a reliever when there are many other pressing concerns like starting pitching and third base. It seems that the team is not closing the door on Robertson as much as they are just limiting their desperation for him. If he comes back, great. If he doesn't, they'll move on with the group they have which is still pretty strong. That seems to be their stance, at least.
If Yanks can sign Robertson, pen of he, Betances, Miller, Kelley, Wilson, Warren (if he doesn't start) and maybe Lindgren will be imposing.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) December 5, 2014Yes, please. That sounds like a dream.
Source just said that yes, Miller signing makes Robertson return less likely, but if Robertson's price comes down, Yankees intrigued.
— Daniel Barbarisi (@DanBarbarisi) December 5, 2014It will be very sad to see Robertson go, if it indeed comes to that. However, at least the Yankees weren't left with nothing because they put too many eggs in one basket. At least for now we can dream of having a bullpen that can match up against any in the majors if the two sides can figure out a way to work out a deal.