Miller trade offer should ‘blow away’ the A’s, MLB executive believes originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
As the MLB trade deadline approaches next month, Athletics poet Mason Miller remains the subject of rampant speculation about Oakland trading the flame-throwing reliever.
While many contenders would certainly like to add Miller to their bullpen, it would take a significant effort for the A’s to even consider moving their star closer.
MLB’s Mark Feinsand spoke to an anonymous MLB executive who told him that Oakland would have to be “blown away” by any bid for Miller.
Not only is Miller performing at an elite level, but the A’s 25-year-old closer will have five additional seasons of club control beyond the 2024 MLB season, further increasing his value in any trade talks.
One NL executive described the precarious position Oakland finds itself in with Miller, not wanting to give up a fundamental piece — while also understanding his value will never be higher.
“It’s a difficult one [for Oakland] because he’s just a plus [service time player], but he has also had injuries in the recent past,” the NL CEO told Feinsand. “On the one hand, if you ever try to compete in the near future, he’s a guy to build around. On the other hand, its value will never be higher.”
Another NL decider explained how Miller’s five additional seasons of club control gives the A tremendous leverage as they debate moving the flame-throwing right-hander.
“Because Miller still has five years of control left after 2024, Oakland has the luxury of knowing they can wait until they receive the offer they think is best within that remaining control,” the NL decider told Feinsand. “That gives them an incredible amount of leverage over any club looking to trade for Miller at this point.”
Miller recorded his 14th save of the 2024 MLB season in the A’s thrilling 6-5 win over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night at The Coliseum, further bolstering an already gaudy resume that has certainly caught the attention of contending teams that want to strengthen their bullpens. .
The 25-year-old entered Friday’s game with a 2.14 ERA and has recorded an impressive 59 strikeouts in 33.2 innings of work this season.
Oakland has plenty of leverage in any potential trade talks for its star closer, requiring a team to make an offer the A-top can’t refuse if there’s any hope of prying Miller out of the organization anytime soon.
