The Yankees made their first big moves to reshape for 2015, agreeing Friday to a $36 million, four-year contract with reliever Andrew Miller and obtaining shortstop Didi Gregorius from Arizona as part of a three-team trade that sent right-hander Shane Greene to Detroit.
Miller's acquisition gives the Yankees a bit of insurance in case they don't re-sign closer David Robertson, who is a free agent.
''I can't predict yet as his free agency continues where he's going to land,'' Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. ''I certainly would not allude to the level of our participation. We've been in touch with his agency, and I'll just leave it at that.''
A 29-year-old left-hander, Miller held opponents to a .153 average this year while going 5-5 with a 2.02 ERA for Boston and Baltimore. He joins a bullpen that includes hard-throwing right-hander Dellin Betances, who finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
Gregorius, a 24-year-old left-handed hitter, becomes the favorite to take over at shortstop following the retirement of Yankees captain Derek Jeter. Gregorious hit his first big league homer at Yankee Stadium in April 2013 but lost the starting shortstop job to Chris Owings during spring training this year and was sent to the minors.
He was recalled when Cliff Pennington tore a thumb ligament and became the regular shortstop when Owings injured a shoulder. Gregorius batted .226 with six homers and 27 RBIs in 80 games this year but hit .137 (7 for 51) against left-handers.
''At the very least we expect him to be utilized in probably a platoon with Brendan Ryan until he separates himself,'' Cashman said. ''So high-end projections. We think there is more in the tank there as he continues to develop.''
The Yankees, Detroit and Arizona also made a three-team trade in December 2009 that involved Max Scherzer, Curtis Granderson, Austin Jackson and others.
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