Phillies Should Pursue A’s Closer Mason Miller Aggressively
Trea Turner faced a 2-2 count during his third plate appearance in the All-Star Game when a 103 mph fastball from Mason Miller zipped past his hands. Turner eventually struck out on a high slider, but it was Miller’s pitch that both terrified and intrigued Phillies officials. Pitchers with the audacity to throw inside with such velocity are rare, making Miller a prime trade target for the Phillies.
Mason Miller, 25, is one of the most dominant closers in baseball, striking out 46.7% of batters and inducing a league-leading 43% swing-and-miss rate. He throws harder than any other pitcher, with 299 of his 609 pitches this season reaching 100 mph or more. Recently, he neutralized the Phillies, hitting 103.7 mph and striking out Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh.
The Phillies reportedly invited Miller and his manager, Mark Kotsay, on a private plane with six of their All-Stars to the All-Star Game. Bryce Harper even introduced himself to Miller, expressing relief that he doesn’t have to face him.
Miller’s velocity is complemented by his exceptional command; 56% of his 100+ mph pitches have landed in the strike zone, and he hasn’t hit a batter all season. Despite their strong bullpen, the Phillies are interested in adding a fifth core reliever who could close out the season. The team’s focus on bullpen performance in October underscores this strategy.
However, trading for Miller carries risks due to his injury history. Diagnosed with a mild UCL sprain in May 2023, Miller returned as a reliever in September. The A’s have managed his workload carefully, limiting his appearances to 33 games this season to maintain his health.
Miller’s availability remains uncertain. He isn’t eligible for arbitration until 2026 and free agency until 2030. The A’s, with years of cost-effective control left, might set a high asking price. However, holding onto Miller also carries risks, as an injury could diminish his trade value.
For the A’s, trading Miller, their last Oakland All-Star, fits their current trajectory, as they prepare for a potential move to Las Vegas. The Phillies, on the other hand, must decide whether to part with top prospects like Aidan Miller or Andrew Painter to acquire him. The cost will be steep, but the potential payoff in October could justify it.
Alternatively, the Phillies could target a more affordable veteran reliever. Their successful track record with developing relievers like Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm, and José Alvarado shows they can optimize talent without blockbuster trades.
Acquiring Miller would address one of the Phillies’ key vulnerabilities, as evidenced in their NLCS loss to the Diamondbacks. Ensuring a deep bullpen could prevent future collapses like those involving Craig Kimbrel. Adding a high-leverage arm, even if it’s not Miller, would bolster their chances in critical playoff moments.
Ultimately, the Phillies have a strong opportunity to win a championship in 2024. Securing the best reliever in baseball would enhance their ability to close out tight games in October, where championships are decided. Harper’s conversation with Miller on the plane to Texas likely emphasized this crucial point.
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