Mets Rumors: Early connection to veteran reliever Andrew Miller

Early New York Mets rumors have connected them to several relief pitchers. The latest suggests they could sign Andrew Miller.

Thus far, the early New York Mets rumors have linked them just about every free agent available with any possible fit. They’ve had interest in several catchers and many relievers.

Included in the latter group is Andrew Miller. According to several sources, the possibility of signing Miller looks like a strong one.

The clear connection with Miller and the Mets is with the manager. Mickey Callaway was the pitching coach for the Cleveland Indians during Miller’s reign as one of the best multi-inning arms in baseball. Of course, Callaway left the Indians to manage the Mets in 2018. Miller missed a large chunk of the season and is now seeking a new deal.

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I’m not a big fan of the Mets signing Miller, who turns 34 in May. It’s not his age or the fact that he’s coming off of an injury. It’s both together which makes me hesitant.

From 2014-2017, Miller had a 22-11 record and 1.72 ERA. You probably can’t find anyone better during this span.

Last year, in his 34 innings, Miller went 2-4 with a 4.24 ERA. The small sample size and fact that he likely pitched with an aching body for parts of it does not represent at all what we should expect from him in 2019.

However, even if Miller is closer to what he was in the past, I’m not sure he can keep it up much longer. A deal with him is an acceptance that the final year or two of his deal would look like an albatross on the payroll.

One possible benefit Miller may experience in a Mets’ jersey is how unfamiliar many of the National League’s players are with him. He hasn’t pitched in the National League since 2010 when the Miami Marlins were still the Florida Marlins. He was a down-trending starter at the time and a much different pitcher.

Miller can do a lot of things well and I won’t be disappointed if this of the Mets rumors ends up as true. Regardless of how his numbers compare to his own, he’s an upgrade to a bullpen desperate for any help at all.

The Mets must end up with at least two of the best relievers available this winter. Anything less and we may once again see more Jacob deGrom gems blown late in the game.

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Look for more Mets rumors connecting them to bullpen arms in the coming weeks.