Padres Weighing Trade Options for Mason Miller and Key Arms
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San Diego is considering moving star closer Mason Miller and other high-leverage pitchers as the August 3 deadline approaches.
The San Diego Padres are weighing their options ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, with Sports Illustrated reporting that the team is open to moving several key arms if they decide to sell. According to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres have not ruled out trading closer Mason Miller, relief pitcher Adrian Morejon, or starter Michael King.
Miller stands as the team's most valuable trade asset. The closer has posted a 0.91 ERA across 39.2 innings and has converted 25 of 25 save opportunities this season. While the Padres would prefer to keep Miller, who has three years remaining on his contract, Sports Illustrated reports that moving him could allow the organization to replenish its farm system with a significant haul.
Other potential departures include Morejon and King, both of whom could enter free agency after the season. Morejon has recorded a 3.42 ERA over 50 innings this year. King, who signed a three-year, $75 million contract this offseason, has been the team's most consistent starter, though Sports Illustrated notes that trading him would likely only occur if the Padres opt to sell.
San Diego currently holds a 48-48 record and sits 3.5 games behind the final National League wild-card spot. While president of baseball operations A.J. Preller typically prefers to buy, the team's current standing has prompted discussions regarding a potential shift to selling.