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The rivalry between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB just hit a whole new level of wild. According to NJ.com, an anonymous National League scout dropped a bombshell: the Padres’ new ownership group ‘hates’ the Dodgers so much, they wouldn’t trade their star closer Mason Miller to LA even if the Dodgers offered them a mountain of gold.
The message is loud and clear: not even the Dodgers’ top prospects, their fat checkbook, or their playoff pedigree can break down the wall the Padres have built to keep their bullpen ace out of LA. In 2026, the blood is still boiling in the NL West.
Mason Miller, the flamethrowing closer leading the National League with 25 saves and a jaw-dropping 0.89 ERA, is the hottest name on the trade market as the August 3rd deadline approaches. But if Dodgers fans were dreaming of seeing him light up the mound at Dodger Stadium, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee.
Padres vs Dodgers: Sports Hate, Zero Business
Everyone knows the Padres and Dodgers can’t stand each other on the diamond. But now, with new owners in San Diego, the feud has gone from professional to personal—and strategic. The scout told NJ.com, “The new owner hates the Dodgers. He’s not making any deal with them, no matter what they offer.”
Why? The Padres don’t want to be the ones handing the Dodgers more ammo for their already loaded arsenal. They’d rather make deals that help slow down LA’s dominance, not fuel it. So, even though the Dodgers have eight prospects ranked in MLB’s Top 100, the answer is a hard no.
Mason Miller: The Most Wanted Arm on the Market
With just 40.2 innings pitched this season, Mason Miller already has 75 strikeouts and leads the National League in saves. He’s under team control through 2029, making him a dream come true for any franchise looking for a long-term elite closer.
But things are complicated in Padres land. The team hasn’t lived up to expectations, and insiders say the front office is planning a mix-and-match strategy: buying and selling to retool the roster without throwing in the towel. Miller could be on the move—but never, ever to Los Angeles.
So, Who Could Actually Land Miller?
With the Dodgers out of the picture, other MLB contenders are lining up for a shot at the closer. Teams with real championship dreams and a desperate need for bullpen help will be blowing up San Diego’s phone. But the Padres’ front office will be picky—they don’t want to see Miller popping champagne in their own division.
How the Rivalry Shakes Up the Trade Market
The Padres’ decision to block any deal with the Dodgers isn’t just about pride—it’s a strategic move to keep the NL West competitive. In a league where one trade can flip a season, these kinds of grudges make all the difference.
Fans on both sides already feel the tension every series, but now the battle is moving to the front office. The Padres don’t just want to win on the field—they want to make sure the Dodgers don’t get any stronger at their expense.
What’s Next for the Padres and Miller?
With the trade deadline looming, the pressure is on. The Padres have to decide whether to cash in on Mason Miller for pieces that help them compete soon, or keep him as their bullpen insurance policy. One thing’s for sure: as long as the new owner’s in charge, the Dodgers won’t even get a whiff of a deal for Miller.
FAQs: Mason Miller and the Padres-Dodgers Rivalry
Why won’t the Padres trade with the Dodgers?
It’s all about history, sports hate, and the new owner’s hard stance. No matter the offer, a deal is off the table.
Could Mason Miller be traded to another team?
Absolutely! Miller is one of the hottest names on the MLB trade market, but the Padres will look for partners outside the NL West.
Which teams have a real shot at landing Miller?
Any contender with a bullpen need and juicy prospects could be in the mix—as long as they’re not the Dodgers.
What’s Mason Miller’s contract situation?
Miller is under team control through 2029, making him even more valuable for any franchise.
How does this decision impact the NL West?
Keeping Miller away from the Dodgers keeps the division more balanced and stops LA’s dominance from growing even bigger.
