MLB insider details how this newly acquired All-Star could impact San Diego's offseason
San Diego Padres General Manager A.J. Preller has a reputation when it comes to the Trade Deadline. And once again, he didn't disappoint—orchestrating five deals involving a whopping 22 players that reinforced his fearlessness to shake things up.
That included the acquisition of All-Star closer Mason Miller, who headlined the flurry of San Diego's deadline moves. While this season is still ongoing, MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan explains that Miller—and his future utilization—could be key to the Padres' offseason approach.
'The flamethrowing right-hander has given San Diego's bullpen another electric arm, though it remains to be seen how long he'll actually stay there,' he wrote. 'No, Miller isn't going anywhere—he's controllable through 2019—but there have been rumblings that the Padres could consider transitioning him back to the rotation in the future.'
'With Dylan Cease, Michael King and the newly acquired Nestor Cortes all nearing free agency, how the Friars decide to proceed with Miller could have a major impact on their approach to the starting pitching market this offseason.'
Miller made six starts and four relief appearances during his first Major League season with the Athletics in 2023. But he broke out the following year as a full-time reliever, earning his first All-Star nod with a 2.49 ERA and 28 saves in 55 games.
The third-round pick in the 2021 draft has excelled in the bullpen during his limited time in San Diego, holding a 3.38 ERA over five games with three holds and one save. However, the Padres will be hungry for starting pitchers this offseason, and Miller could be a solid in-house option.
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