Padres Target A’s Closer Mason Miller for Versatile Role

The San Diego Padres are making noise as the MLB Trade Deadline creeps closer. Reports suggest they’re eyeing Oakland A’s flamethrowing closer, Mason Miller.

This potential blockbuster move shows just how badly the Padres want their first-ever World Series title. Miller’s elite skills and years of club control won’t come cheap, but General Manager AJ Preller seems ready to shake things up again.

Why not take a closer look at this trade rumor and what it could mean for the Padres’ playoff hopes?

Why Mason Miller is a Perfect Fit for the Padres

The Padres’ interest in Miller just makes sense. At 27, the right-hander has already become one of baseball’s most dominant closers.

Miller’s fastball averages a wild 101.1 mph, and his 39.1% strikeout rate is second-highest in the league. He earned his first All-Star nod in 2024, posting a 2.49 ERA and racking up 28 saves.

He’s a nightmare for hitters and a steady hand in high-leverage spots. Adding Miller would give the Padres’ bullpen a much-needed boost late in games.

Preller’s also reportedly interested in trying Miller as a starter again—a role Miller briefly held with the A’s in 2023. That kind of versatility must be tempting for San Diego.

The Preller Effect: A GM Who Thrives on Big Moves

Padres fans know AJ Preller isn’t afraid to make a splash. He’s shown time and again that he’ll part with top prospects to build a contender right now.

This season, rumors are swirling about trade packages built around high-profile young talents like shortstop Leo De Vries (MLB’s No. 3 prospect) and catcher Ethan Salas (No. 20 overall).

Giving up elite prospects stings, no doubt. But Preller’s always played for immediate contention, and with no World Series rings in franchise history, maybe a big swing for Miller is what San Diego needs.

What Miller’s Potential Role Could Look Like

Miller’s thrived as a closer, but the Padres could try moving him back into the rotation. They’ve had some luck reshaping pitchers’ roles lately.

With Miller’s electric stuff and stamina, he could be a real weapon as a starter. There’s even talk that the team might move starter Dylan Cease, which could open up a spot for Miller.

What Would the Padres’ Bullpen Look Like Post-Trade?

The Padres’ interest in Miller comes as rumors swirl about trading their current closer, Robert Suarez. If Suarez goes, Miller could slide right into the closer’s role.

If they keep Suarez, pairing him with Miller could make for a nasty late-game duo. Either way, Miller would give the Padres’ bullpen some serious flexibility.

That kind of depth will matter come playoff time.

The Cost of Doing Business: Is the Price Too High?

Bringing Miller to San Diego won’t be cheap. Both Leo De Vries and Ethan Salas are big names in the Padres’ farm system and represent a big part of the team’s future.

De Vries is a power-hitting shortstop ranked No. 3 among all prospects, while Salas, a young catcher, sits at No. 20. Trading away talent like that is always a gamble, especially since the Padres’ farm system has already taken some hits from recent deals.

Still, Miller comes with four years of club control. If he helps push San Diego deep into October, maybe it’s a gamble worth taking.

Could This Signal a Broader Shake-Up?

The Padres’ rumored interest in Miller adds another layer to the swirling trade deadline speculation around the team.

If San Diego actually pulls off a blockbuster deal for Miller, things could get wild. That kind of move might trigger further changes across the roster.

Moving pieces like Cease and Suarez would open up new chances to reshape the team’s core.

AJ Preller’s all-in mentality has kept the Padres right in the playoff mix, even when the risks pile up.

Adding a game-changing talent like Mason Miller might just push them into real World Series territory this year.

The deadline’s coming fast, and the Padres’ pursuit of Miller shows how badly they want to bridge the gap between pretender and contender.

Will they actually land him—or someone just as impactful? That could end up defining the rest of their season. Stay tuned, baseball fans. San Diego’s trade deadline moves are about to get interesting.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Padres reportedly eyeing A’s closer Miller … not necessarily in a relief role