BLOCKBUSTER DEAL: The New York Mets Has Lost Elite Closer Mason Miller in Stunning Trade Deadline To padres

In a surprising turn of events that shook the baseball community, the San Diego Padres managed to acquire elite closer Mason Miller from the Oakland Athletics—despite fierce competition from the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and New York Mets. The big question is: how did San Diego pull it off?

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the key difference was the Padres’ willingness to include top-tier talent in the deal. While other contenders were reluctant to give up their best prospects, San Diego agreed to trade 18-year-old shortstop Leo de Vries, who is currently ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline.

Interestingly, the Athletics initially believed the Mets would land Miller. Rosenthal noted that one source close to the Mets described their interest as “very serious,” and said their talks with Oakland were “substantial.” However, negotiations never progressed far enough, and the Mets instead acquired relievers Tyler Rogers and Ryan Helsley in the final days before the deadline, having previously added Gregory Soto.

That opened the door for the Padres, who completed a blockbuster deal to obtain both Mason Miller and starting pitcher J.P. Sears. In exchange, they sent de Vries, along with right-handed pitchers Braden Nett (Oakland’s No. 5 prospect), Henry Baez (No. 9), and Eduarniel Nunez (No. 16) to the Athletics.

Miller is now under San Diego’s control through the 2029 season, and the team is reportedly considering transitioning him into a starting role as early as 2026.

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