Athletics reversing course on this former All-Star in trade talks

Athletics closer Mason Miller had been viewed as untouchable in trade discussions. That may no longer be the case.

According to Matt Trueblood from Baseball Prospectus, the A's are "much more open" to potentially trading Miller. Trueblood noted that the cost to acquire Miller may be prohibitive, but the door is open.

Miller emerged as one of the best relievers in the game as a rookie in 2024. He posted a 2.49 ERA and a 0.887 WHiP in his 65 innings, notching 28 saves while striking out an impressive 104 batters with only 21 walks. He was the A's representative at the All-Star Game and finished fourth in the AL Rookie of the Year balloting.

As has been the case for most of the A's pitching staff, the 2025 season has not been as kind. Miller entered the break with a 4.04 ERA and a 1.065 WHiP in his 35.2 innings, recording 14 saves while striking out 57 batters with 17 walks. 

A closer look at Miller's underlying numbers reveals that he has been pitching similarly to how he did in 2024, even if the raw statistics suggest otherwise. Although Miller's hard-hit percentage against has increased (32.5% in 2024 to 41.8% this year), his average exit velocity is one-tenth of a mile per hour different. His strikeout and line drive rates are the same or better than last year. 

Miller would be a long-term solution for any team looking to upgrade in the ninth inning as he is under team control until 2030 and has yet to reach arbitration. He could be a building block for a team that has already locked outfielder Lawrence Butler and designated hitter Brent Rooker into long-term extensions. 

However, if Miller is on the trade block, the A's could receive an impressive return to help accelerate the rebuilding process.