The San Diego Padres have completed a major trade deadline deal, acquiring All-Star closer Mason Miller and left-handed starting pitcher JP Sears from the Oakland Athletics, CBS Sports HQ confirmed. This significant move aims to bolster the Padres’ pitching staff ahead of the critical stretch of the season. In return, the Athletics received top shortstop prospect Leodalis De Vries, ranked No. 3 on CBS Sports’ midseason prospect list.
Mason Miller’s Impact as an Elite Reliever
Mason Miller has quickly established himself as a dominant closer. After debuting as a starter in 2023, Miller transformed into one of the game’s premier late-inning pitchers in 2024, earning an All-Star selection. Last season, he posted a 2.49 ERA with 28 saves and 104 strikeouts in 65 innings. This year, Miller maintains strong numbers, holding a 3.76 ERA and securing 20 of 23 save opportunities, alongside 59 strikeouts over 38 ⅓ innings.
Even though Miller thrives as a reliever, reports from The Athletic indicate the Padres consider converting him back to a starting role. While an immediate midseason transition seems unlikely, Miller remains under team control through 2029, providing flexibility to keep him in relief this year and plan for his return to the rotation next spring.
Depth and Strength in Padres’ Bullpen
If Miller stays in the bullpen, he joins an impressive group already featuring All-Stars closer Robert Suarez and setup pitchers Jason Adam and Adrián Morejón. This elite relief corps has helped the Padres lead the majors with a bullpen ERA of 2.97, showcasing their strength in late-inning pitching.
JP Sears Could Bolster Padres’ Rotation
Alongside Miller, JP Sears brings potential to the starting rotation. The 29-year-old lefty has struggled this year with a 4.95 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 22 starts, compiling 97 strikeouts over 111 innings. His home performance was more problematic, posting a 5.48 ERA in 10 starts at Sacramento, Oakland’s temporary home field. A change of scenery could help Sears regain his form and provide immediate support to the Padres’ rotation depth.
Currently, the Padres’ starting pitchers include Nick Pivetta, Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish, Randy Vásquez, and Ryan Bergert. Michael King, a reliever turned starter, is expected to return soon from a shoulder injury. With rumors swirling about a potential Cease trade, Sears might fill that rotation spot temporarily before King’s comeback.
Front office agility will be critical as the trade deadline approaches, with A.J. Preller orchestrating moves to balance both pitching and offense for a playoff push.
Leodalis De Vries Highlights the Athletics’ Return
The Padres’ package to the Athletics includes highly regarded prospect Leodalis De Vries, a switch-hitting shortstop praised for his quick hands and potential offensive upside. Despite limited power development so far, De Vries remains productive with a batting line of .245/.357/.410 in 82 games for High-A Fort Wayne, including 19 doubles, four triples, eight home runs, 46 RBIs, 46 runs scored, and eight stolen bases.
“De Vries is a switch-hitting shortstop with the kind of hand speed that ought to result in more in-game power. For now, you have to be willing to speculate about that component of his game because there hasn’t been much actualization. Almost all of De Vries’ slugging has come from the left side, despite his load featuring a hitch (he bounces his hands up and then brings them back down). I do find it encouraging that De Vries continues to produce at an above-average clip all the same. On any given day, I flip-flop between De Vries and Made. Today just so happens to be a day where I have Made ranked ahead.” —R.J. Anderson, CBS Sports
De Vries’ ability as a switch hitter and swift defender makes him a valuable addition for the rebuilding Athletics.
Additional Pitching Prospects Included in the Deal
Along with De Vries, the Athletics receive three pitching prospects from the Padres’ system: right-handers Henry Báez, Braden Nett, and Eduarniel Nuñez. Nett is regarded as the seventh-best prospect in San Diego’s farm system according to Baseball America’s midseason evaluation. Nuñez ranks 14th, and Báez is 16th on that list.
Eduarniel Nuñez, 26, has already made his MLB debut this season, adding experience to this youthful group. Báez and Nett have both spent time in Double-A and could be expected to reach the major leagues soon. This collection of prospects is notable compensation for a reliever of Miller’s caliber, underscoring how much the Padres value their new additions.
What the Trade Means for the Padres’ Playoff Push
This bold trade demonstrates the Padres’ urgency to strengthen their pitching ahead of crucial games. Acquiring Mason Miller with his shutdown closing ability addresses a key need, while JP Sears offers potential rotation depth. The front office, led by A.J. Preller, is navigating a fluid situation with other potential moves looming, such as the possible trade of Dylan Cease for offensive reinforcements.
By securing top-tier bullpen talent and a lefty starter, the Padres are positioning themselves to enhance their postseason chances. The long-term control of Miller adds stability, while Sears could provide immediate innings. Meanwhile, the Athletics gain powerful prospects to bolster their future, making this a high-stakes but mutually impactful trade.