MLB Trade Rumors: A's Closer Mason Miller Drawing Interest; Asking Price 'Steep'

Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller is drawing trade interest, but "no team has come close" to meeting the team's "steep" demands, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

"No team has come close to meeting the A's price," Rosenthal reported, citing a team source. "Perhaps no team will. Miller, 25, is not only Oakland's best young player, but also their best player, period. To acquire him, a team likely would need to give up a young player of comparable ability, or a substantial package of multiple youngsters who could be part of the A's future."

In 13 games this season, the 25-year-old Miller has posted eight saves, a 1.10 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP. He's also struck out 33 batters in 16.1 innings.

Aside from his on-field success, Miller would also be a big-time trade target because he isn't eligible for free agency until 2030. He also isn't eligible for arbitration for another two years.

The Athletics are controversially on their way out of Oakland. The team is set to spend its next three years in Sacramento before heading to Las Vegas in 2028.

Oakland has infamously gone through cycles of competing and rebuilding with the team sitting at or near the bottom of the payroll ledger for much of the century. But the A's have now hit complete rock bottom in payroll over the past two years.

The A's understandably struggled last year, going an MLB-worst 50-112. This team has fought hard in 2024 but still sits under .500 at 18-21.

The A's could deal off their best assets at the trade deadline if they're out of the playoff race by then. On the same token, it would also probably be best for the A's to put themselves in position to be competitive and get the Las Vegas era off on the right foot.

"On the other hand, the A's say they are planning to ramp up their payroll and improve their roster as they prepare for their scheduled move to Las Vegas in 2028," Rosenthal wrote. "Miller could play an important role in that process, giving the franchise credibility and identity during the three seasons it plans to spend in Sacramento."

Miller is the A's best player. With him being under team control through the 2020s, it doesn't make a lot of sense to trade him unless they get an offer they can't refuse. He can certainly be part of the solution to brighter days for the franchise as it undergoes this transition period.

For now, Miller remains a member of the Athletics and the unquestioned top closer in baseball as the season hits the quarter point.