In what has become a hot topic in Major League Baseball circles, the future of Oakland Athletics’ closer Mason Miller is under intense scrutiny as trade rumors swirl around the 25-year-old fireballer.
Miller, who transitioned from a starter to a closer, has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting a jaw-dropping 1.10 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, and a perfect 8-for-8 in save opportunities.
Unfortunately, there are certain clubs in Major League Baseball who look to trade off their prized stars once they reach a certain “status.”
There’s nothing wrong with that approach if you truly feel the exchange you’re getting in return for your star will undoubtedly equate to more wins on the field.
However, there are some organizations who take this path just to take themselves off the hook of having to open up their check books to keep their stars.
The Athletics are one of these notorious organizations…
FOX Sports MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal has added fuel to the fire with revelations that the A’s are actively fielding calls for Miller, indicating a willingness to entertain offers.
Rosenthal’s report outlined the steep price tag attached to the young closer, suggesting that any interested team would need to part with a young player of comparable ability or a significant package of top prospects.
The report even cited a hypothetical trade scenario involving the San Diego Padres, suggesting they would have to include Jackson Merrill along with other top prospects to meet the A’s asking price.
However, Rosenthal later raised the stakes, upgrading the required return from “substantial” to “staggering,” underlining the A’s reluctance to part ways with their prized asset unless presented with an offer too lucrative to refuse.
That’s more encouraging. The A’s are not in a great place right now perception wise. The fan base is as angry as they’ve ever been and a move to Las Vegas looms in the future.
However, hopefully the organization realizes that if they are to ever be a contending club again, they need to spend a little more – and even more importantly, hold onto their stars.
The only way they should part with Miller is if they truly get blown away by a deal.
Also, it’s not like the A’s should be in a big rush to make a decision anyway. After all, Miller is under contract through 2029!
Despite the intense interest from potential suitors, the A’s may ultimately opt to retain Miller as a cornerstone of their roster for years to come.
Nonetheless, several teams have emerged as potential suitors capable of meeting the A’s lofty demands.
Among them, the Baltimore Orioles stand out, with their need for bullpen reinforcements and a deep farm system to facilitate a blockbuster deal.
Other contenders figure to be the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers.
At 19-24, the A’s have been performing slightly better than expected thus far in the early part of the season.
It will be interesting to see what happens around the league between now and the trade deadline.
Perhaps there could be a desperate team or two that emerges and offers the house for Miller.
What are your thoughts on Miller?
Do you think he’s truly a special talent or do you think he’s just a tad overrated?
Should the A’s be actively shopping him?
Which clubs should be most aggressively pursuing him?
When push comes to shove, will Miller be wearing a different uniform come later in the year???