As trade talks evolve, the Oakland Athletics have become increasingly focused on involving hard-throwing closer Mason Miller in potential deals. With the Athletics facing organizational uncertainty, they are reportedly looking for premium young pitching prospects from interested teams. Major League Baseball insiders, including Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic, indicate that the Athletics want a substantial return but it remains unclear if a trade meeting their expectations will be reached.
Mason Miller’s Elite Performance and Team Control
Mason Miller, 25, has drawn attention for his exceptional fastball velocity, averaging 101.2 mph, the highest in the league. His dominance extends beyond speed; his strikeout rate nears 40%, he leads the majors with a 42.8% swing-and-miss rate, and he has secured 20 saves in 23 chances this season. Despite the team’s struggles, Miller’s performance remains steady, and he is under contract with Oakland for four more seasons, making him a valuable asset.
Mets Positioned as Strong Candidates for Miller Acquisition
Trade discussions have included the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies, but the New York Mets have surfaced as a prominent contender for Miller’s services. Compared to the Yankees, the Mets possess a farm system rich in high-upside pitching prospects, such as Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, and Jonah Tong, providing the club with notable trade capital. The Mets are also motivated by pressing bullpen needs, as their relief corps has struggled to find consistent late-inning performers outside of closer Edwin Díaz.
Trade Market and Pricing Challenges for Top Relievers
While some teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly avoiding the high-tier relief market—including pitchers like Miller and Minnesota Twins’ closer Jhoan Duran—the Athletics remain open to negotiation. Sources suggest the asking price for Miller will likely include a top-25 prospect as part of the return package. The Mets, having both financial flexibility and promising young arms, are among the few teams equipped to meet these demands if they view Miller as a critical bullpen addition.
Mets’ Ongoing Efforts to Bolster Their Bullpen Depth
The Mets have taken initial steps to strengthen their relief options by acquiring Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles but recognize that further reinforcements are necessary. Injuries have sidelined key bullpen members—A.J. Minter, Dedniel Núñez, Danny Young, and Max Kranick are all out for the season—exacerbating the team’s need for reliable late-inning pitching. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns appears committed to restructuring the bullpen to improve depth and stability.
Additional Closure Options Linked to the Mets
Aside from Miller, the Mets have been connected to other closure candidates like Ryan Helsley and Jhoan Duran, illustrating their active pursuit of reliable relief arms as the trade deadline approaches. The franchise’s focus remains on assembling a bullpen that can consistently support their starters and secure leads during critical game moments.
The interest in Mason Miller demonstrates the complexity and competitiveness in the current relief pitcher market, with the Mets positioned to play a significant role if they decide to meet the Athletics’ high trade demands. Strengthening their bullpen could be pivotal for the Mets as they contend in an increasingly challenging National League landscape.