San Francisco Giants: How They Can Contend in 2016

Trade for Andrew Miller

Sep 26, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees defeated the White Sox 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

A move to acquire Andrew Miller would be a longshot. If the Chapman deal went through for the Dodgers, Miller would be an ideal candidate to be closer for the Giants as Hunter Strickland is still developing and Santiago Casilla is getting older and entering his last year under contract.

A year ago, Miller signed with the New York Yankees and teamed up Dellin Betances to form one of the best setup/closer tandems in baseball. With the Yankees looking to improve and seemingly pretty conservative on their offseason strategy, Miller is an intriguing trade chip that would bring back a reward. With a young Giants’ bullpen, and slots not open for all the available arms, throwing some pieces in and a starting pitcher might be enough to land Miller.

Miller possesses a mid to high 90’s fastball and a wicked slider. With an ERA slightly over 2.00 (2.04) and striking out 100 batters in 61.2 innings, Miller is crafty and has good stuff. A former starter converted to a relief pitcher, he would be a vet and a leader in the bullpen for the Giants to go along with Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo.

Casilla will be turning 36 during the season and he has mileage on his arm. The Giants haven’t had a big name closer since the days of Robb Nen and Brian Wilson. Whether the Dodgers get Chapman or not, the Giants should acquire Miller to match the Dodgers or obtain an advantage.

Next: Justin Upton