The Yankees, Mets, and Phillies have all engaged in talks with the Athletics regarding closer Mason Miller, reports The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. This update comes 10 days after USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported in no uncertain terms that Miller was off the market. While Rosenthal does not suggest a trade is likely, it seems the A’s are at least entertaining offers.
Any conversations between the A’s and Phillies may have been brief. Rosenthal notes the A’s asked for Philadelphia’s top pitching prospect, Andrew Painter, in return for Miller. But as Rosenthal and colleague Matt Gelb reported earlier today, the Phillies “refuse to even entertain the thought of moving Painter.” Rosenthal and Gelb suggested that the Phillies’ refusal to part with Painter likely eliminates them from the market for Miller or Twins closer Jhoan Duran.
Rosenthal also throws a bit of cold water on the Yankees connection. The A’s, he explains, are seeking top-tier young arms (hence their interest in Painter). Meanwhile, he mentions that the Yankees are “more focused on adding pitching than subtracting it.” In other words, the A’s are presumably seeking close-to-MLB-ready pitchers (as their interest in Painter implies), and the Yankees, who have learned a lot about the value of pitching depth this season, might not be willing to part with the sort of players who meet the Athletics’ criteria.
As for the Mets, they might not be quite as interested in Miller after they dealt for Tyler Rogers this afternoon. Rogers might not have Miller’s closing experience, high ceiling, or years of team control, but he’s arguably having a better season than Miller, and he and Edwin Díaz give the Mets a strong one-two pairing of right-handers at the back end of their bullpen. The Mets also traded for left-hander Gregory Soto last week, so they might now prefer to focus their efforts on improvements in other areas.
All this to say, the chances of Miller being moved this summer still seem slim, but it might not be out of the question. Perhaps if fellow closers Duran or Ryan Helsley fetch a high enough price for the Twins and Cardinals, respectively, the Athletics will be convinced to take advantage of a relatively weak trade market and the high number of contenders seeking bullpen help.
Featured image courtesy of Troy Taormina, Imagn Images.
If Yanks actually get Mason Miller i’d be happy with the deadline. My guess is Cash is gonna underbid like a mfer and then claim opposing teams give him the Yankees tax again
Lombard for Miller. Scheduled the Miller TJS for mid-September.
Not even close. Carlos Lagrange and at least two more pitching prospects. Probably Cunningham/Hess and Selvidge. Lombard, Jones and Arias are likely all staying put. No TJS for Miller either. Smh.
@BBB Doing his best work as a low-level troll.
🙂 Love the name. You hit fastball very much :D.
A’s are needing pitching not hitting. Reading is so hard apparently 🙄
A’s don’t need Lombard.
They have 3 really young, recent 1st Round draft picks patrolling their middle infield; Jacob Wilson, Zack Gelof and Max Muncy.
Infielders are not a current Team need.
I think that’s exactly why the Yankees don’t go out and get any big names. It’s almost a 100% certainty they will either get hurt and need TJS immediately or wind up becoming 25% of the player they were before becoming a Yankee. It’s like a massive black cloud that follows this franchise around.
I agree, but imho there is no chance this happens. I’d be happy with any of the back-end BP guys: Duran, Helsley, Miller, etc. we need someone plus a SP and we should be pretty good.
Can we interest you in an Adrian Houser, perhaps?
Clip – do you have a 4th choice for the pen? Since the first two are off the board, and Miller not likely.
Oof, Persky, I don’t know, brother. I guess perhaps Bednar would be my next choice out of the available guys. Probably Hader out of the unlikely trade candidates.
What are your thoughts?
I’m thinking Bednar could be a possibility since they’ve had dealings with the Pirates in the past. But he will be costly. Since SF seems to be sellers maybe Doval? For rentals, perhaps one of the ATL guys? Igleasis or Johnson.
For SP Ive always liked Charlie Morton. He’s pitched much better of late and has playoff experience. Also heard Cleveland looking to deal Bieber. He has a player option so would also likely be a rental. But of course with much risk.
Now we are talking. This is the guy to give up Spencer Jones and more for. Let’s go, Cashman. The Mets gave up plenty for Rodgers. I can’t imagine what Miller will cost.
Lombard, Jones, and Hess.
So their entire future for a 3rd closer
Weaver and Williams is enough for this season but maybe they might restart talks in the off-season
Theyre clearly not enough for this season given their biggest weakness has been their bullpen
Wouldnt take both Lombard and Jones, would prob take one or the other and then 2 more in the top 30
Hugely too much-Maybe you’re being facetious. 🙂
That’s what it would take. Miller is under control until after the ’29 season.
Exactly this 💯. Miller is under team control until after the ’29 season. No reason for the A’s to ask for anything less
Don’t think so….good try…
I do think so. I propose Soderstrom, Andujar and Miller for Lagrange, Jones, Cunningham, Cruz and Hess
Lombard going nowhere.
Don’t see this happening, but we’ll see. To me, A’s are building to be competitive in Vegas. I think they want Miller to be there
With Kurtz and Wilson already strong players I think they can make the playoffs while still in Sacramento
In order to do that though they need to acquire more pitching talent
That’s true. I just looked it up, estimated they’ll be in Vegas in 2028? That’s a long time from now, I guess
It’s the A’s. Even if the stadium is built by 2028, Miller will be dealt by then.
Are you aware of the A’s owner by chance? Do you think he wants Mason Miller to be with the team?
As an Astros fan, yes I’m aware. In fact, I’m rather fond of him lol!
But as long as Miller is cheap-ish (through 2029), I think it’s likely he stays past the deadline. He could get traded, IDK, but my gut reaction is he stays.
I was wrong!
If the Mets are still interested after getting Rogers, that’s the organization that could probably put together the most appealing package for miller from the A’s perspective. Miller is Under control until 2030 and could be a difference maker in the playoffs, so it would probably take a lot to get him. My guess is McLean or Tong plus others. McLean specifically could be plugged right into the A’s rotation so he could be highly valued by the A’s
Dodgers will get Mason Miller for some overrated future busts like they do every deadline.
just keep repeating yourself man. maybe someone will give you some warm milk before bedtime.
I’m not trading Lombard and Jones and more together in the same trade unless it’s for Skenes.
and that’s not even enough to even consider Skenes lol
that’s not even close to getting Skenes
You would need to in order to get Miller
He’s under team control until after ’29 season. The A’s should ask for Lombard, Jones and another pitcher
Besides Duran is probably cheaper then Miller. Duran is probably the way to go.
The Phillies will get Miller for sure…..Shelby Miller. In the tradition of Mike Maddux, Ken Brett, and Jeremy Giambi.
Trading Miller would be beyond stupid. Might as well trade Rooker and Kurtz while they’re at it.
You spend the last 4 years rebuilding and developing talent to get back to the postseason, and now that you’ve got some of that talent (with lots more coming) you want to trade it off?
Miller is a once-in-a-generation kind of talent, you do not trade him for anyone. You roll the dice on his sustained success rather than rolling the dice on the return package.
I mean, any prospects you’d get back first gotta graduate to the main team. Then they gotta become regulars/starters. Then they gotta become All-Stars just to match Miller’s value. Why would you make that trade if you’re LV lol.
It’s interesting seeing people underestimate OAK/SAC’s recent lack of interest to keep a legit winning team together.
It’s probably all talk. A’s probably want to get a sense what his value is like right now. I doubt they would actually trade him now, given that they need all pitching they can get now.
Phillies get Jhoan Duran
If it’s the Yankees it starts with Spencer Jones. Then either Lombard or Rice.
“Perhaps if fellow closers Duran or Ryan Helsley fetch a high enough price for the Twins and Cardinals”
Then the talent they want back will be gone.
Clickbait…ACTIVATED! Both the Mets and Yankees would have to demote 2 of the wealthiest closers in the history of the game, but at least Leo got that sweet, sweet New York engagement! Only question is, why not the Dodgers too?
After seeing what the Giants got for Rodgers ….I want Jett and from the Mets, Painter or Abel and Moisés Choice from the Phillies, Lombardi Jr. And Schlittler or Warren or maybe Spencer and Schlittler or Warren for the Yankees. Other GM’s would hate me
Lombard off limits in any package unless it is for Skenes. Volpe is now available. Volpe, Jones, Hess, and others for Miller
Take out Jones and put in Lagrange and I think you have a deal.
lol
lol Volpe
I said earlier a package of Lagrange, Cunningham, Cruz, Hess and Jones for Miller, Soderstrom and Andujar or Urshula.
Where are the dfa trades? TRIVINO was released not sure why he isn’t a yankee yet and Chad Green is another.
Bring those former Yankees back and let’s go! Hold on to the young guys
HONESTLY… Cashman will either give up the farm for a at best average pitcher or he will do nothing and the yankees will say 2 things.. prices are high and with judge on the DL at the moment the will be cautious.
Chad Green is great at giving up homeruns. Leads relievers so please sign him Yankees
F- this guy. Well take Jhoan.
I also have no problem if Yankees sell some relief pitchers. They could get someone good back. The prices are high trade Williams, Weaver, Hamilton etc
There’s the good closers coming off the board and Cashman has his wang in his hand. 😂
Miller and Soderstrom for Lagrange, Jones, Cruz and Cunningham
Not sure if the Yankees need more bullpen help. They’re getting 2-hit in the 7th inning against the Rays. Need some better bats in that lineup.
Leave it to new york to trade for two major closers within a 1 year period
Why are the dipsh*t A’s trading Mason Miller
Because of the high price the Yankees may pay. Only reason.
I am all for moving pitching, ESPECIALLY relievers but for Miller it would have to be a huge haul with four years after this of team control.
Miller NOT pitching for the A’s in the 9th with a 2 run lead…
I haven’t watched the A’s since they put that awful female announcer in place, so I’ve never seen him pitch…but given how easy it has been for the A’s and teams to develop closers, if you can get a good pitching prospect or two for Miller why not pull the trigger? afraid you’ll lose fans/games?
I agree with you. Women need to stay out of men’s sports.