Phillies Likely 'No. 1' Destination for Mason Miller as A's Weigh Change: Insider
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Philadelphia Phillies got a jump on the trade deadline with a significant roster addition on Sunday, but more is likely to come.
The Phillies reached an agreement with veteran free agent reliever David Robertson, according to ESPN, and made some progress on reinforcing a leaky bullpen ahead of their playoff push. But the team is still in need of a dependable closer option if it wants to reach the World Series.
As a result, The Athletic's Major League Baseball insider Ken Rosenthal has pegged the Phillies as the top destination for fireball reliever Mason Miller as his current team, the A's, considers making him available.
"A year ago, Athletics closer Mason Miller was untouchable," Rosenthal wrote. "To this point, the A's messaging this season — we're not talking about him — is pretty much the same. But according to sources briefed on the team's plans, that stance is subject to change."
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 09: Mason Miller #19 of the Athletics looks on before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Sutter Health Park on July 09, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty...
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 09: Mason Miller #19 of the Athletics looks on before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Sutter Health Park on July 09, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by) More
Cunningham/Getty
And as the A's consider placing Miller on the block, the Phillies could be in the best position to benefit.
"Which teams might tempt the A's?" Rosenthal asked. "The Philadelphia Phillies, who reached agreement on Sunday with free-agent reliever David Robertson, probably would be No. 1 on the list."
Miller would solicit trade offers from virtually every contending team if he really does become available, as he emerged as one of the sport's best young closers last year and faces four years of arbitration eligibility after this season. He has not been as effective this season, with a 4.04 ERA and 19 saves in 29 games finished so far, but he could still be the Phillies' primary addition at the trade deadline.
The A's would surely demand a king's ransom to move Miller, though. The Phillies would probably have to part with at least one of their top-ranked prospects to get him, a list that includes Andrew Painter, Justin Crawford and Aiden Miller.
More MLB: Cubs Blockbuster Brewing? Why Latest Trade Buzz Makes No Sense
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