The Pirates know the bullpen is the place that has to get fixed if they’re serious about chasing a postseason spot this season, and that urgency has pushed one trade idea into the spotlight: a deal for one of baseball’s best closers, Mason Miller.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report floated a proposal that would send Miller from the San Diego Padres to Pittsburgh in exchange for right-hander Jared Jones and outfield prospect Edward Florentino, who is ranked No. 27 on MLB’s list.
"Trade Proposal: Pittsburgh Pirates get RHP Mason Miller; San Diego Padres get RHP Jared Jones, OF Edward Florentino, (MLB No. 27)," Rymer proposed.
It’s a steep price, but Miller has been exactly the kind of late-inning weapon the Pirates are missing. He owns a 0.89 ERA this season, along with 25 saves and 75 strikeouts in 40.2 innings pitched. He has also been one of the top relievers in the sport over the last few years, which is why he would instantly change the look of Pittsburgh’s bullpen.
The catch, of course, is what it would take to get him. Florentino is the type of prospect teams usually have to part with to land a pitcher of Miller’s caliber, and even though losing him would hurt, Miller is under club control through the 2029 season.
Jones is the other major piece going out in the proposal. The 24-year-old right-hander is also under club control through 2029 and has become a fan favorite, but Pittsburgh’s rotation still has plenty of firepower without him. Paul Skenes, Braxton Ashcraft, Mitch Keller, and Bubba Chandler form a strong group, and moving Jones could open the door for Carmen Mlodzinski to return to the starting rotation after thriving there to begin the year.
For a Pirates team trying to make a real push, the appeal is obvious: Miller would be a major upgrade in a clear area of need. The question is whether Pittsburgh would be willing to pay that kind of price.
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