The recent MLB trade deadline saw a significant move between two west coast teams.
The Athletics traded All-Star closer Mason Miller and starting pitcher J.P. Sears to the San Diego Padres for the third-ranked prospect in baseball and three other minor league pitchers, as reported by multiple sources.
Earlier in the week, rumors circulated about Miller’s potential involvement in trade talks. However, it wasn’t until late Wednesday that the Padres officially entered the conversation.
Despite the hefty price the Padres paid, it seems justified considering their current standing. They hold a three-game lead for the final wild card spot and are just three games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West crown.
Mason Miller is undoubtedly one of the best players in the game. After making his MLB debut in 2023, he had a breakout year in 2024 with a 2.49 ERA and 14.4 K/9.
Named an All-Star last season, Miller is known for his impressive fastball, with speeds reaching up to 104.1 mph. His strikeout percentage of 39.1% is the highest in the league, although his walk rate is in the bottom 10th percentile. Despite a slight increase in ERA from the previous season, currently at 3.76, Miller remains a dominant force on the mound.
San Diego secured their closer for the foreseeable future, as Miller won’t be eligible for arbitration until after next season. In return, the Athletics received shortstop Leo De Vries, an 18-year-old top international prospect from the Dominican Republic. De Vries, who signed with the Padres for $4.2 million last year, quickly rose through the ranks to become a highly sought-after talent. He recently represented San Diego in the MLB All-Star Futures Game in Atlanta.
This year’s trade deadline has been marked by a focus on relievers, with Miller being the standout in the class.
