Miller trade offer expected to ‘destroy’ A’s, MLB exec believes originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
With the MLB trade deadline approaching next month, Athletics closer Mason Miller continues to be the subject of rampant discussion Oakland trade speculation the flamethrower reliever.
While many contenders would certainly love to add Miller to their bullpen, it would require significant transportation for the A’s to consider moving their star closer.
MLB’s Mark Feinsand spoke with an anonymous MLB executive who told him that Oakland would be “surprised” by any offer for Miller.
Not only is Miller performing at an elite level, but the A’s 25-year-old closer also has five additional seasons of club control beyond the 2024 MLB season, further increasing his value in any potential trade discussions.
An NL executive detailed the precarious position Oakland finds itself in with Miller not wanting to part with a key piece — while also understanding his value will never be higher.
“It is difficult [for Oakland] since he is just a plus [service time player], but he has also suffered injuries in the recent past,” the NL executive told Feinsand. “On the one hand, if you’re trying to compete in the near future, he’s a guy to build around. On the other hand, its value will never be greater.”
Another NL decision-maker detailed how Miller’s five additional seasons in control of the club give the A’s a tremendous advantage if they get involved in any discussions about moving the flamethrower right-hander.
“Because Miller still has five years of control remaining after 2024, Oakland has the luxury of knowing it can wait until it receives whatever offer it believes is best within that remaining control,” the NL decision-maker told Feinsand. “This gives them an incredible advantage over any club looking to trade Miller at this time.”
Miller recorded his 14th save of the 2024 MLB season at A’s thrilling 6-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night at The Coliseum, further reinforcing a already flashy resume this has certainly caught the attention of rival teams looking to strengthen their bullpens.
The 25-year-old entered Friday’s game with a 2.14 ERA, racking up an impressive 59 strikeouts in 33.2 innings of work this season.
Oakland retains plenty of leverage in any potential trade talks for its star closer, with one team needing to make an offer the A’s brass can’t refuse if there is any hope of prying Miller from the organization anytime soon.
