The Philadelphia Phillies, fresh off a strong postseason run, have shown a willingness to make bold moves in pursuit of a World Series title. With their sights reportedly set on Oakland Athletics’ closer Mason Miller, the question arises: What would it actually cost to pry the flame-throwing right-hander away from the A’s?
Why Mason Miller?
Mason Miller, a rising star in the league, has quickly become one of the most coveted young arms in baseball. The 25-year-old closer boasts a triple-digit fastball, devastating off-speed pitches, and the poise of a veteran in high-leverage situations. In 2024, Miller emerged as a bright spot for the struggling Athletics, posting a 2.05 ERA with 15 saves and an eye-popping strikeout rate of 14.3 K/9. His talent and team control—he’s not eligible for free agency until 2029—make him an attractive target for the Phillies, who are eager to shore up their bullpen.
The Phillies’ Bullpen Needs
Philadelphia’s bullpen has been a perennial source of frustration for the team. While the 2024 season saw some improvement, with relievers like Seranthony Domínguez and José Alvarado stepping up, the unit still lacked a dominant closer. Acquiring Miller would not only fill that void but also give the Phillies a long-term solution at the back end of their bullpen.
The Cost of Doing Business
Trading for a player of Miller’s caliber won’t come cheap. The Athletics, mired in a rebuild, will likely demand a package centered around top-tier prospects. Here’s what a potential deal could look like:
- Mick Abel (RHP)
- Abel, the Phillies’ No. 2 prospect and a consensus Top 100 prospect in MLB, would almost certainly be the centerpiece of any trade for Miller. The 22-year-old right-hander has shown flashes of brilliance in the minors, with a fastball-slider combo that profiles well in a starting role.
- Justin Crawford (OF)
- Crawford, the Phillies’ No. 3 prospect and the son of former MLB star Carl Crawford, offers elite speed and defensive skills in center field. For the rebuilding A’s, he represents a potential future cornerstone in the outfield.
- Carlos De La Cruz (OF/1B)
- De La Cruz, a 6’6” slugger with raw power, could sweeten the deal. While his swing-and-miss tendencies are a concern, his upside as a middle-of-the-order bat could be appealing to Oakland.
- Mid-Tier Prospect or MLB-Ready Talent
- To finalize the deal, the Phillies might need to include a mid-tier pitching prospect like Alex McFarlane or an MLB-ready arm such as Cristopher Sánchez.
Is It Worth It?
Acquiring Miller would undoubtedly strengthen the Phillies’ bullpen, giving them a legitimate closer to pair with their already solid relief corps. However, the cost of parting with top prospects like Abel and Crawford could be steep, especially given the long-term upside both players possess.
For the Athletics, this trade could accelerate their rebuild by adding high-upside talent to their farm system. Abel and Crawford, in particular, would instantly become centerpieces of Oakland’s future.
Alternatives for the Phillies
If the asking price for Miller proves too high, the Phillies could explore other options on the trade market. Veterans like David Bednar (Pirates) or Evan Phillips (Dodgers) might be available at a lower cost, though they lack the long-term upside and team control that Miller provides.
Final Thoughts
The Phillies’ pursuit of Mason Miller signals their commitment to contending for a championship. While the cost will undoubtedly be high, the potential payoff—a dominant bullpen and a legitimate chance at a World Series title—might just make it worth the gamble. With Spring Training fast approaching, the next few weeks will reveal whether the Phillies are willing to go all-in to acquire one of the game’s most exciting young closers.
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