Andrew Miller closing in on decision

Although the exact destination is not yet known, Andrew Miller appears to be closing on a decision, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Heyman notes that the Dodgers and Yankees appear to be the finalists, although the Red Sox and the Astros could still be in the hunt, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

The exact figures of Miller's potential offers are unknown, but it is expected that his annual salary will surpass Jeremy Affeldt's record $6 million salary for a non-closer. If Miller does end up with the Yankees, it is unlikely the contract will be more than three years, according to Joel Sherman of the NY Post. The Yankees appear to be skeptical about a long-term deal with any reliever, including former closer David Robertson, who is reportedly seeking "Papelbon money," referring to Phillies' closer Jonathan Papelbon's record-setting four-year, $50 million deal signed just over three years ago.

The Dodgers return 2014 closer Kenley Jansen, but the addition of Miller would add even more firepower to the back end of their bullpen. Miller had one of the top performances of any reliever in 2014, posting a 2.02 ERA, along with a 14.9 K/9 rate. The Dodgers also return former All-Star closer Brian Wilson, but Wilson saw a significant dip in his numbers last season, posting a 4.66 ERA over 61 appearances. Over Wilson's career, he has posted a 3.30 ERA over 394 appearances.

If the Red Sox do indeed decide to sign Miller, he would join a bullpen that is headlined by Koji Uehara and Junichi Tazawa. Both were outstanding in 2014, as they combined for 144 strikeouts in 127.1 innings pitched. As Heyman notes, the Red Sox could be more focused on improving the starting rotation at this point. The Sox remain a key player for free agent Jon Lester, and could also add a starter through a trade involving their strong outfield depth.