The San Diego Padres reportedly have their sights set on lights-out Athletics closer Mason Miller.
As Padres general manager A.J. Preller pursues outfielders Jarren Duran and Steven Kwan ahead of Thursday’s MLB trade deadline, he also is pushing to acquire Miller, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Dennis Lin reported Wednesday, citing sources briefed on San Diego’s discussions.
Preller would be willing to at least discuss sending top prospects to the A’s in such a deal, per Rosenthal and Lin, with The Athletic reporters naming shortstop Leo De Vries or catcher Ethan Salas as options.
Miller remains under team control for the next four seasons and is making just $765,000 this season while owning one of MLB’s most dominant fastballs. Despite the A’s 47-63 record and last-place status in the AL West, their flame-throwing closer is tied for 11th in the league with 20 saves.
Whether or not Preller could pull off such a trade with A’s GM David Forst is up in the air. While the team previously viewed Miller as “untouchable,” the A’s might be inclined to move on from the former MLB All-Star if they receive a compelling offer from one of the league’s top contenders, Rosenthal reported on July 21.
“The way the A’s see it, only a few teams are bold enough to propose an offer for Miller worthy of consideration,” Rosenthal wrote. “General manager David Forst might engage those teams as the deadline nears. But for now, he appears willing to let them grow more desperate.”
Per Rosenthal and Lin, San Diego’s ability to land either Duran, Kwan or Miller could hinge on their willingness to surrender De Vries.
For now, A’s fans will have to wait and see just how desperate Preller becomes as the second-place Padres make a playoff push.