The Yankees are in a much better place on the mound than they were a few weeks ago, and that’s exactly why a Mason Miller pursuit would be the wrong move.
With Max Fried back from the Injured List on Wednesday, New York’s rotation is starting to look like the group it envisioned. Fried and Gerrit Cole are finally in the same rotation, Carlos Rodon’s rehab is moving in the right direction, and he should be back shortly.
On top of that, Cam Schlittler has emerged as a top-of-the-rotation option, which is a major development in itself. Once Rodon returns, Will Warren or Ryan Weathers will slide to the bullpen, and Clarke Schmidt’s return is also on the horizon.
That only makes an already strong relief group even deeper. After a rough April, David Bednar has settled back in as a true, lights-out closer, and he’s getting help from Fernando Cruz and Brent Headrick. With Aaron Judge still sidelined and the lineup struggling, pitching has become New York’s strength, and it’s been necessary.
So yes, it makes sense that the Yankees would be exploring trade upgrades as they chase the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East. Adding another high-leverage bullpen arm would fit the moment. But it should not be Mason Miller.
There’s no denying what Miller is. He’s a stud, a superstar, and the best closer in baseball.
His 0.86 ERA and nearly 17 strikeouts per nine innings make him look like a cheat code. And because of that, the price would be enormous.
A deal built around Spencer Jones, George Lombard, Elmer Rodriguez, and possibly other top prospects would be a fair ask from the San Diego Padres. But that doesn’t mean the Yankees should pay it. Even if Jones and Jasson Domínguez don’t have clear roles right now, that doesn’t make them expendable in a move that doesn’t have to happen.
New York would be better off either standing pat or using its prospect capital to address other needs. Miller is a luxury, and at that cost, he’s not one the Yankees need to chase.
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Padres May Finally Be Closing In On The Rotation Help They Need
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Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden recently pointed to Toronto as a possible fit, noting that the Blue Jays could have reason to move a veteran starter who is headed for free agency after the season. For San Diego, the appeal would be less about splash and more about reliability, especially if the front office believes it can turn a late-summer addition into October insurance. [Read more 🡒]
Tatis Sounds Off As Padres Face Brutal Deadline Decision
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Fernando Tatis Jr. added another layer to that conversation by pointing to Frances value at the plate, a reminder of how much the veteran infielder has meant to a team that has needed production wherever it can find it. France has also sounded genuinely happy to be in San Diego, which only makes the possibility of a deadline move more complicated for a club trying to balance present needs against the bigger picture. [Read more 🡒]
Padres May Have Found The Spark Their Lineup Desperately Needed
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The early returns have been encouraging because the Padres have needed exactly this kind of contribution from the bottom and middle of the lineup mix. Rengifo has handled second base and left field, and he has enough defensive range to cover several other spots if needed, which only adds to the appeal. The bigger question is whether this stretch is a true turning point or just a hot run that can keep the Padres afloat for now. [Read more 🡒]