The San Diego Padres have pulled off one of the biggest deals of trade deadline season, acquiring closer Mason Miller from the Athletics.
The full deal will see Miller and LHP JP Sears head to San Diego in exchange for prospects Leodalis De Vries, Bradent Nett, Henry Baez and Eduarniel Nunez. Miller will further fortify one of baseball’s best bullpens, joining the likes of Robert Suarez and Jason Adam.
The 26 year old reliever’s fastball averages 101.1mph, which has allowed him to pile up 59 strikeouts across 38.1IP in 2025. Across 38 appearances this season, Miller has recorded 20 saves, and posted a 3.76 ERA in the process.
By adding the former Athletics closer to the mix, along with another left handed starter, the Padres front office could begin shipping off existing roster pieces to further address their needs over the coming hours.
Suarez currently leads the majors with 30 saves, but given how thin the reliever market is at the moment, he could fetch a handsome return if moved to another World Series hopeful. Meanwhile by adding Sears to the mix, it could signal that Dylan Cease may also be moved prior to the trade deadline expiring.
According to numerous reports, the Padres have been looking for outfield help, and have had at length conversations with both the Red Sox and Guardians about potential Jarren Duran or Steven Kwan deals. While nothing has materialized as of yet, the Miller trade now makes a move for either batter a more realistic outcome.
Acquiring a top arm like Miller wasn’t cheap however. De Vries is currently ranked as the 3rd best prospect in all of baseball, giving the Athletics another blue chip infielder to add to their roster in 2026 or 2027. Still just 18 years old, the switch hitting shortstop figures to be a key part of the Athletics future when the team officially begins their new chapter in Las Vegas.
RHP Braden Nett was ranked as San Diego’s 3rd best prospect, as the 6’3″ 23 year old has posted a 5-4 record with a 3.39 ERA and 86 K’s across 74.IP with Double-A Midland. Henry Baez is another RHP that has gone 4-2 with a 1.96 ERA across 96.2IP this season. Ranked as the Padres 13th best prospect, the 22 year old is likely to get an extended look in the A’s rotation down the stretch in 2025.
Finally, 26 year old Eduarniel Nunez has seen limited action with San Diego at the MLB level this year, punching out 2 batters across 4.2IP. He’s likely to fill a middle reliever role for the Athletics initially, though the team could look to work him into the back end of their bullpen over the coming weeks as well to help fill the void left by Miller.
All in all, San Diego acquires a top reliever and back of the rotation starter in exchange for their #1, #3, #13, and #17 prospects. However they could look to restock their farm system if they opt to move some of their current MLB talent later this afternoon.
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