Trade Pitch Moves Athletics' Mason Miller to Red Sox
Trade Pitch Moves Athletics' Mason Miller to Red Sox originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Boston Red Sox placed themselves at the center of MLB trade activity following a blockbuster deal that sent designated hitter Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants.
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Strong play as of late – eight wins in their last nine games, including a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees this past weekend – has put the Red Sox firmly in playoff contention once again. Because of this, it is likely that their roster reshuffling is far from over.
NESN.com's Owen Crisafulli believes the team should bolster their bullpen by acquiring Athletics closer Mason Miller, a star player on a struggling team.
"With Devers gone, the Red Sox need some more star power. Enter Mason Miller, who is one of the most electrifying pitchers in the majors. Boston could certainly use some more help at the backend of their bullpen, and Miller could end up being the most coveted reliever on the trade market," Crisafulli wrote.
"Miller hasn't been as effective for the Athletics as he was during his breakout 2024 campaign, as he has an ugly 5.33 ERA in his 25 games of action. He still has 14 saves and 43 strikeouts, though, so if he can reign in his control a bit, he could reach the heights he hit last season."
Athletics pitcher Mason Miller (19) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning of the game at Kauffman Stadium.Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Red Sox already have an established closer in Aroldis Chapman, who is in the midst of one of his better years in the big leagues. Across 33 relief appearances this season, Chapman has a 3-2 record, 1.50 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 42 strikeouts and 13 saves in 30 innings pitched.
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Crisafulli proposes that the team could find another high-leverage position for Miller in its bullpen.
"Aroldis Chapman has done a great job at closer this season for Boston, so that could allow Miller to fill more of a setup role for this team. And at 26 years old, he'd be a prime extension candidate for the Red Sox now that they have quite a bit of money at their disposal with Devers' deal off their books," Crisafulli wrote.
Miller – who is renowned in baseball circles for his fastball velocity, which consistently hits triple digits – is a career 3-7 pitcher with a 3.39 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 42 saves and 187 strikeouts over 124.2 innings pitched. He was the Athletics' lone representative at the 2024 All-Star Game, his first as a player.
Related: What Red Sox Legend Manny Ramirez Said About Rafael Devers Trade
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
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