MLB Trade: Oakland Athletics' relief pitcher Mason Miller is transferred to the San Diego Padres in a significant deal before the deadline.
San Diego Padres Bolster Bullpen with Mason Miller Acquisition from Oakland A's
In a significant move ahead of the MLB trade deadline, the San Diego Padres have acquired closer Mason Miller and starter JP Sears from the Oakland Athletics. In exchange, the Athletics received four prospects: 18-year-old shortstop Leodalis De Vries, ranked as the No. 3 prospect in baseball, along with three right-handed pitchers - Braden Nett, Henry Báez, and Eduarniel Nuñez [1][2][3].
Mason Miller, a 26-year-old hard-throwing reliever, had recorded 20 saves and a 3.76 ERA in 38 appearances during the 2025 season with the A's. His fastball averaged an impressive 101.1 mph, striking out 59 batters in 38⅓ innings. JP Sears, a left-handed starter, had a 7-9 record and a 4.95 ERA during the season [1][3].
The Padres have strengthened their bullpen by adding Miller to a group that already includes All-Star relievers Robert Suarez (30 saves, MLB leader) and Jason Adam. Sears is expected to deepen their rotation and potentially enable a trade involving starter Dylan Cease. The Padres’ bullpen was already one of the best in MLB, with a 2.97 ERA at the time of the trade [1][2].
From Oakland's perspective, they acquired a top-tier shortstop prospect and three pitching prospects, signaling a focus on rebuilding with young talent. Leodalis De Vries, hitting .245/.357/.410 in the minors, is considered a highly valuable asset with elite potential. This deal reflects the Athletics’ approach to trade an established closer in a rising market for relievers to replenish their farm system [1][2][3].
Mason Miller is under contract through the 2028 season, providing the Padres with a reliable option in their bullpen for the foreseeable future. The Oakland A's have shown a willingness to make significant trades to improve their team ahead of the MLB trade deadline, and this deal is another example of their strategy.
The San Diego Padres have made a strategic move to bolster their pitching depth and high-leverage bullpen, while the Oakland A's have taken a step toward youth development by acquiring several promising prospects [1][2][3][5].
[1] Heyman, Jon. (2025, July 31). San Diego Padres acquire Mason Miller, JP Sears from Oakland Athletics. The Post.
[2] Sherman, Joel. (2025, July 31). Miller and Sears: San Diego Padres' latest additions. The Post.
[3] ESPN. (2025, July 31). San Diego Padres acquire Miller, Sears from Oakland Athletics. ESPN.
[4] A's Report. (2025, July 31). Oakland A's acquire top-25 prospect, Leo De Vries, from San Diego Padres. A's Report.
[5] MLB Trade Rumors. (2025, July 31). San Diego Padres acquire Mason Miller, JP Sears from Oakland Athletics. MLB Trade Rumors.
The San Diego Padres have boosted their bullpen with the addition of Mason Miller, a hard-throwing reliever who excels in baseball's top league, the MLB. Miller, previously with the Oakland A's, was acquired as part of a trade that also included left-handed starter JP Sears.
In return, the Oakland A's have acquired top prospect Leodalis De Vries, ranked as the No. 3 baseball talent, along with three right-handed pitchers, focusing on rebuilding their team with young talent.
