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The biggest name on the MLB trade market may no longer be a starting pitcher. Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, MLB insider Jeff Passan revealed that San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller is definitely available in trade discussions, confirming what many executives around baseball have believed in recent weeks.
If Passan’s report proves accurate, it immediately changes the landscape of the trade deadline. Miller isn’t just one of the hardest-throwing relievers in baseball; he has arguably been the best relief pitcher in Major League Baseball this season. Even more importantly, he’s under team control for three more seasons after 2026, making him far more valuable than the typical rental reliever available at the deadline.
MORE: 5 MLB pitchers who will be traded before the trade deadline
Miller’s Value Is Sky High
Elite bullpen arms are always in demand during the stretch run, but relievers with years of club control are an entirely different asset. Any team acquiring Miller wouldn’t simply be making a push for this postseason. They would be adding a dominant late-inning weapon through at least the 2029 season.
That type of control dramatically increases the asking price, and the Padres reportedly know exactly what they want in return. According to reports, San Diego is seeking major league-ready starting pitching along with top prospects in any deal involving Miller. That narrows the list of realistic trade partners.
Yankees Make Plenty of Sense
The New York Yankees have consistently been linked to another high-end bullpen addition. Pairing Miller with David Bednar would instantly give the Yankees one of the most dominant back ends of any bullpen in baseball.
More importantly, New York has the organizational depth to satisfy San Diego’s demands.
The Yankees possess both promising pitching prospects and young major league arms that could interest the Padres as they look to remain competitive while reshaping their roster.
Don’t Sleep on the Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates may be an even better fit. Pittsburgh has struggled to consistently protect late leads this season despite remaining firmly in the National League playoff race. Unlike many small-market teams, the Pirates wouldn’t be acquiring a rental.
Because Miller remains under team control for several more years, he’d fit perfectly into Pittsburgh’s long-term plans while immediately addressing one of the club’s biggest weaknesses.
The Pirates also have enough young pitching to make a competitive offer if they choose to aggressively pursue the All-Star closer.
Will a Contender Meet The Padres’ Demands?
With Jeff Passan confirming that Mason Miller is available, one of the most impactful players on the trade market is officially in play.
Now the question becomes which contender is willing to meet the Padres’ steep asking price for one of baseball’s most dominant relievers.
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