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Rob Thomson Indirectly Makes Case for Phillies to Land Top MLB Reliever

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated May 25, 2025 2:55 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies, through two games against the Athletics, have gotten to superstar closer Mason Miller. After the Phillies' come-from-behind win, in which Max Kepler hit a game-tying ninth-inning home run off Miller, Phillies manager Rob Thomson had strong words about Miller.

During Phillies Postgame Live on NBC Sports Philadelphia, Thomson was interviewed after the game, and he provided an interesting answer when asked about Miller.

"Miller's got great stuff, I mean it's unbelievable. I don't know how these guys hit in today's world with all this velocity and spin rate and all that stuff, I really don't."

Thomson's praise of Miller is exciting and noteworthy, as the Phillies have been linked to Miller in the trade market. During the offseason, the Phillies reportedly offered Alec Bohm for Miller according to Ken Rosenthal after the Athletics inquired about Bohm's availability.

Also, Miller and Bryce Harper had a friendly interaction when they flew out to Seattle for the 2024 All-Star game, further sparking trade rumors. With the Phillies in the market for a right-handed reliever, the Athletics closer would be at the top of the list of arms to target.

But, with the Athletics standing strong with Miller, the cost would be among the highest for any reliever available. Not only would a team acquire Miller for the 2025 season, but they would get him through the 2028 season.

The 26-year-old closer would fetch a lot on the trade market, and the Phillies would likely have to fend off intense competition for Miller. But, it would be worth it with how great Miller has been in his career.

In 2024, Miller had a 2.49 ERA, 28 saves, and struck out 108 batters compared to just 21 walks. He went to the All-Star game and was fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.

While Miller has struggled so far in 2025, with a 5.94 ERA in 16.2 innings, he'd still be high on the list of players the Phillies would consider acquiring.

With the 80-game suspension of Jose Alvarado and the already present need to add a right-handed reliever, the Phillies adding Miller would solve two issues.

Thomson's praise of Miller is noteworthy. With the support of Thomson, based on his high praise of Miller, the Phillies front office has the manager on board in a potential trade for the dominant Athletics closer.

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

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