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Phillies Trade Idea Lands Much-Desired Athletics Closer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 2:30 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have a clear need in the build-up to the MLB trade deadline. With the bullpen struggling, even though Jordan Romano and Tanner Banks have shown solid stuff as of late, the Phillies need a more dominant arm out of the bullpen.

Jim Bowden in The Athletic wrote a piece detailing every team's trade targets among the contenders, and for the Phillies, Athletics closer Mason Miller was one of the top targets listed.

Since the 2024 All-Star break, when the Phillies team flew out to Seattle with the Athletics' All-Star representatives, there have been constant demands from Phillies fans who want the Athletics' closer to come to Philadelphia.

With Bowden linking the Phillies to Miller, there is ample reason for Phillies fans to become optimistic once again in the pursuit of Miller. While the Athletics closer might not be moved, due to the Athletics' stubbornness in trade discussions, the Phillies are still likely to check in with the Athletics for Miller.

At 26 years old, Miller would be a long-term solution to the Phillies' bullpen woes. With team control through the 2029 season, the Phillies could land the All-Star Athletics closer with the idea that he'll stay with the team for the duration of their championship window.

When looking at a Miller trade, the return package would likely be hefty. But, for the chance to add a young closer with years of control and filthy pitches, it's a no-brainer for the Phillies.

In a trade for Miller, the Phillies would have to give up some of their top prospects. But, the Phillies should try to get Miller while keeping three prospects: Andrew Painter, Aiden Miller, and Eduardo Tait.

Almost any other prospect should be on the table, including Justin Crawford and Mick Abel, who's impressed through his first three starts in the big leagues. Brandon Marsh, who's platooned with Johan Rojas in center field, could also be a player moved in a Miller trade.

While Miller has struggled in 2025, to the tune of a 4.63 ERA and a 0-2 record, Miller is still one of the top options for the Phillies at the trade deadline. His 2024, where he was named an All-Star, saved 28 games, and had a 2.49 ERA in 65 innings of work, is more than enough to justify the Phillies' spending a lot to get Miller in red pinstripes.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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