The San Diego Padres are in a tough spot at this year's trade deadline.
They could be trying to thread the needle by trading away some players to net assets for the future, while also remaining competitive this year. They are not out of the postseason race yet, but need to start thinking about what the core of their team will look like next year and beyond. Mason Miller's name has popped up in trade rumors, and it would certainly take a monster package to get him.
According to MLB insider Jeff Passan on "The Pat McAfee Show," Miller is "definitely available." The New York Yankees are reportedly interested in him, but may not want to pay the price. However, the question is whether they actually need him.
The American League is very weak this year, and the Yankees have a relatively easy path to the Fall Classic. The Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays have the best records in the AL, and the Yankees likely think that with Aaron Judge back, they could beat the Rays.
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The Yankees bullpen has a 3.06 ERA this year, which is the second-best in baseball. They do not necessarily need another arm, but at the trade deadline, teams usually like to load up on relievers for the stretch. The Yankees have a great closer in David Bednar, and the supporting cast around him is playing well.
Brent Headrick has a 1.40 ERA in 51 games. Fernando Cruz and Paul Blackburn also have sub-3.00 ERAs. Angel Chivilli has looked very impressive in his nine outings this year as well. The Yankees have the relievers to get to the World Series, so they don't need Miller. However, adding him would make it even easier to reach the World Series. The only problem is, the Yankees would be mortgaging their future on him.
Miller is the best reliever in baseball, and if the Yankees had him, then any game in which they have the lead going into the ninth inning would pretty much be a guaranteed win. However, this is not a situation where the Yankees are a great team, but all they're missing is a closer. Giving up the farm for Miller may not be wise, regardless of how good he is.