The San Diego Padres are positioning themselves for one of the most complicated deadline strategies in baseball – they’re looking to both buy and sell before August 3rd.
It’s a tricky balancing act, but here’s where things get really interesting. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that rival executives are convinced San Diego will move Mason Miller before the deadline.
“Rival executives are convinced the Padres will be motivated to sell and buy at the same time, and will move All-Star closer Mason Miller.”
That’s a massive development if it happens.
Miller’s been nothing short of dominant this season – he’s got a 0.89 ERA with 25 saves (leading the NL) and 2.3 bAR. The two-time All-Star is also locked up through 2029, which makes him incredibly valuable.
Remember, the Padres traded Leo De Vries – baseball’s No. 3 prospect at the time – to get Miller just last year. Now they might flip him for what’ll likely be less than what they gave up.
The market’s definitely there. Teams like the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies would jump at the chance to land Miller. There isn’t a reliever available who’d draw more interest.
But here’s the thing – trading Miller would probably tank their playoff chances. Sure, they’ve got other solid relievers, but Miller’s one of the best closers in baseball.
From the Padres’ perspective, though, it might make sense. They’re not winning the division this year, and with all the issues they’re dealing with, a deep postseason run seems unlikely. Trading Miller could restock their farm system while they address other needs.
The fanbase won’t love it, that’s for sure.
What makes this different is the Padres haven’t come out and shut down the speculation. Usually teams will make it clear when a star player isn’t available. That silence is telling.
Miller’s name is going to be all over trade rumors until August 3rd – unless San Diego definitively says he’s staying put. So far, that hasn’t happened.
It’s not a guarantee he gets moved, but there’s definitely a real chance the superstar closer finds himself in a new uniform before summer’s over.
