The San Diego Padres may consider trading relief pitcher Mason Miller at the upcoming MLB Trade Deadline to address their farm system, according to USA Today baseball insider Bob Nightengale. Nightengale suggested the move could bring in prospects and starting pitching, drawing a parallel to the team's previous trade of Juan Soto.
"I think they’re gonna trade Mason Miller and get them some starting pitching that way and some prospects," Nightengale said on Foul Territory. "I don’t think they’re gonna completely wave the white flag, with not that fan base, and not with those huge contracts."
Miller has emerged as one of baseball's top closers, posting a 0.89 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings this season, accumulating a career 7.8 WAR. Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune also reported that the Padres might explore trading Miller and starting pitcher Michael King to improve their farm system, which is currently ranked among the worst in Major League Baseball.
Over the past five years, the Padres' minor league system has been significantly impacted by moves made by general manager A.J. Preller, including trading prospects like James Wood and CJ Abrams for Soto. The team later traded Soto to the New York Yankees to recoup some of their minor league assets.
Nightengale indicated that Miller is the key piece the Padres would need to move to acquire significant talent. "I think if they’re gonna get some pieces, Miller’s the guy," he said. "Because if you’re not winning games, you’re wasting Miller."
The Padres, who are currently third in the National League West with a 49-50 record, have faced challenges throughout the season. The team has struggled in hitting categories and has seen its starting pitching depth decline. Key starters like Joe Musgrove have been sidelined, and pitchers on one-year deals, such as Walker Buehler, Griffin Canning, and Germán Márquez, have struggled with ERAs above 5.00. Nick Pivetta has also been limited by elbow inflammation.
In the midst of an unconventional season marked by lineup inconsistencies and pitching injuries, the potential trade of Mason Miller presents the Padres with an opportunity to significantly improve their minor league infrastructure.