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Yankees in pursuit Andrew Miller

The New York Yankees have emerged as a serious contender for free agent reliever Andrew Miller.

H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees are in "serious pursuit" of free agent relief pitcher Andrew Milleraccording to ESPN's Buster Olney. Olney goes on to say that Miller will likely land a four-year deal, given that multiple parties are bidding on the southpaw.

Miller, who spent the 2014 season with both Boston and Baltimore, is coming off arguably the top performance by any AL reliever in 2014. Over 73 appearances, Miller posted a 2.02 ERA, along with an AL-best 14.87 K/9 rate. Miller reportedly has multiple three-year offers, and Jon Morosi of Fox Sports notes that Miller will likely be the highest paid reliever with no closing experience.

After the Tigers selected Miller #6 overall out of the University of North Carolina in the 2006 draft, he would make his MLB debut in August of the same year. Less than two years later, Miller and prospects were sent to the Marlins for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis. Miller would struggle for three years in Miami, primarily working as a starter. After joining Boston in 2011, Miller would revive his career a year later when he converted to a full-time reliever. Over the last three seasons, Miller has posted a 2.57 ERA over 163 appearances. His 13.64 K/9 rate is good for third among all relievers during that time span.

The Yankees entered the offseason trying to find a replacement for free agent closer David Robertson. Robertson, who is reportedly seeking "Papelbon money," will likely land a three or four year deal as well, but likely at a higher annual salary than Miller. If Robertson signs elsewhere, the Yankees will gain a draft pick, as Robertson was given a qualifying offer after the 2014 season. In Robertson's only season as the Yankees' closer, he posted a 3.08 ERA along with 39 saves in 63 appearances.