The MLB rumor mill is working overtime when it comes to San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller. Here's the latest intel as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches.
"Superstar closer Mason Miller locks down Padres 5-3 win to finish sweep of Marlins and get back to .500. Rockies and Giants are next up for San Diego, as chance of a Miller trade is diminishing," the New York Post's Jon Heyman reported Sunday.
But never say never for the Padres, who are one of five clubs within striking distance of the final National League wild card.
"The Yankees ... crave All-Star closer Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres," USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Friday.
"Adding Miller to the Yankees’ bullpen would be difficult, especially with No. 1 prospect George Lombard Jr. off-limits and possibly summoned to New York for starting shortstop duties soon," NJ.com's Randy Miller reported Saturday. "But multiple MLB scouts have told NJ.com that San Diego GM A.J. Preller might be tempted by a Yankees offer that includes No. 1 pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange, big-league starter Will Warren and two other good pieces, maybe Jasson Dominguez."
"The Yankees will go hard after Miller," the New York Post's Joel Sherman wrote Saturday.
"But Seattle — motivated by being the majors’ only current team never to have reached the World Series — has a deep system in general, but with six major league starters, plus perhaps the majors’ best pitching prospect, Kade Anderson, ready now, plus Logan Evans (back from Tommy John surgery) and prospect Ryan Sloan for next year, Seattle can begin a trade with, say, one of Logan Gilbert, Emerson Hancock, George Kirby or Bryce Miller then use a wealth of minor leaguers to finish it out," Sherman added.
"An impact closer like Miller would not only significantly improve the White Sox’s chances of making the postseason, but he would also make them a much bigger threat in a playoff series," The Athletic's Jim Bowden wrote Friday.
The 27-year-old Miller is third in the majors this season with 27 saves. And he sports an insane 0.82 ERA this year, which would be a personal best.
Even better, the right-hander comes with three years of arbitration eligibility remaining, which means he can't hit the open market until the conclusion of the 2029 season.