Oakland Athletics Star Drawing Trade Interest

The Oakland Athletics have been more competitive to this point in the 2024 MLB season than many people probably predicted they would be. A recent six-game winning streak has been followed up by losing four out of the next five games, but this is a scrappy team that comes to play every day.

Despite being at a talent disadvantage nearly every time they step on the field, the Oakland Athletics do have a formula for winning. If they can build an early lead, they just need to hold onto it heading into the seventh inning, as they have as strong of a bullpen group as any team in the MLB.

Headlining that group is closer Mason Miller. In his first full season as a pro, he has taken the baseball world by storm with his dominance. On the season, he has made 13 appearances and given up only two earned runs in 16.2 innings.

Both runs allowed came in his first appearance of the season, as he has fired off 12 consecutive scoreless outings. Not only are teams not scoring runs against Miller, they are barely making contact and getting on base against him.

He has surrendered only four hits since with three walks. For the season, he has 33 strikeouts, as he is routinely blowing away opponents, and is yet to blow a save. The most impressive statistic is that his FIP is negative, which means he is giving up less than zero, a numerical anomaly and what was thought to be an impossibility.

Given the current state of the Oakland Athletics, it should come as no surprise that they are receiving calls on all of their players. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Miller is part of that group, but it will cost you to acquire him.

“Naturally, teams are calling the Oakland Athletics with trade interest in their 100 mph closer, right-hander Mason Miller. And naturally, the A’s are asking for a ton in return.

No team has come close to meeting the A’s price, according to 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,” Rosenthal wrote.

Under team control through 2029, it should come as no surprise that the asking price is very high. That is incredible value for the Oakland Athletics to have a player perform at the level that Miller is while being so early in his rookie deal. An offer will need to truly blow them away to even consider picking up the phone and starting negotiations.