MLB Executives Discuss Chances of Padres Trading Mason Miller

But with Miller typically being a one-inning pitcher and the Padres' other glaring needs, they can potentially trade him for a haul that would address the team's multiple weaknesses. This possibility was discussed by multiple executives around Major League Baseball, with insider Mark Feinsand detailing their responses in an article on Thursday morning.

Could Mason Miller be Available at the Trade Deadline?

In Feinsand's article for MLB.com, the anonymous executives in both the American and National Leagues agreed that San Diego would get a significant return if Miller were to be traded. However, they also agreed that the Padres are not only unlikely to make Miller available, but are more likely to be buyers at the deadline unless their situation deteriorates.

“I don’t think he [A.J. Preller] will unless they really fall out of it,” Feinsand quoted from an American League executive. “It feels like he is going to do everything he can to stay in it as opposed to trying to reset.”

“I think they would really have to slide in order to move him,” a National League executive said. “I’m not sure they would be able to recoup the prospect level they acquired him for last deadline, since there are few teams that are as aggressive as Preller at the deadline.”

Padres general manager A.J. Preller has become notorious for his bold moves at the trade deadline in recent years, all of which involved buying. In 2022, he swung blockbuster deals for both closer Josh Hader and outfielder Juan Soto, and just last year he released shockwaves by trading for Miller from the Athletics. In exchange for Miller, Preller parted with top prospect Leo De Vries, who was the No. 3 prospect in all of baseball according to MLB Pipeline (now No. 2).

Miller is also arbitration-eligible for the next three seasons, but is a "Super Two" player with an escalating salary across each of these arbitration years if he continues to dominate. These years of control further justify a massive return for him, but not many teams have been willing to sacrifice so much in trade packages like the Padres have during Preller's tenure as GM.

Other factors to consider is the Padres' new ownership and sheer amount of long-term contracts. New owner José E. Feliciano has incredibly deep pockets, but San Diego have committed to long-term deals with Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts and Jackson Merrill for a combined $810 million. With a salary cap possibly looming, an extension with Miller would be extremely difficult unless the Padres can move some money around.

In the end, executives believe that Preller will not only keep Miller, but commit to the team he has. With so much uncertainty surrounding the future, the Padres are more likely to go all-in to win their first World Series title rather than pull the plug, even if they need to defy the odds and make significant leaps in the standings.

“A.J. follows the Jimmy V mantra,” one of the executives said to conclude Feinsand's article. “Don’t give up; don’t ever give up.”