SerpApi.Org
The Major League Baseball trade deadline is now less than two weeks away, and as always, the San Diego Padres will be one of the most fascinating teams to watch.
The difference this year is that the Padres' intentions aren't as clear as they have been in years past. San Diego enters the day at 49-51 and sits 2.5 games out of a National League Wild Card spot.
Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller is known throughout baseball as one of the sport's most aggressive executives. He has never been afraid to take a leap of faith.
That was never more evident than at last year's trade deadline, when Preller stunned baseball by acquiring All-Star closer Mason Miller from the Athletics. The price was steep. San Diego parted with Leo De Vries, who was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in baseball.
Now, just one year after that blockbuster, another shocking trade could be on the horizon.
ESPN insider Jeff Passan reported that the Padres are "considering moving" Miller for the right deal. Miller has three years of arbitration remaining after this season, making him not only one of the league's most dominant relievers but also an affordable one. Passan even estimated there's a surprising 40 percent chance Miller gets traded.
So why would the Padres even consider moving one of the most dominant relievers of this era?
One possible explanation is attaching Xander Bogaerts' contract to the deal. Bogaerts is under contract for seven more seasons and will earn $24.5 million annually.
A trade of this magnitude would require plenty of creativity, especially if a team is willing to take on Bogaerts' contract. Normally, a deal like that would be nearly impossible to pull off. But Miller isn't an ordinary trade chip.
He is arguably the most dominant reliever in baseball, and he's proving it again this season. Over 40.2 innings, the flamethrowing right-hander owns a microscopic 0.89 ERA with 75 strikeouts and a 0.84 WHIP. It's one of the best seasons by a reliever in recent memory.
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His impact on a contender would be enormous. Adding a nearly automatic closer can completely change a bullpen, especially in October when every out carries more weight.
Out of every team in baseball, the New York Yankees may be the best fit. They need help at shortstop and in the bullpen while also having the financial flexibility to absorb part of Bogaerts' contract. It would be an enormous gamble, but one that could completely reshape the Yankees' World Series chances.
