\u201cRival executives are intrigued to see whether A.J. Preller trades Padres All-Star closer Mason Miller at the deadline with their team spiraling downward,\u201d he wrote. \u201cBut they laugh at the notion they will receive anything close to the package they surrendered to the Athletics to acquire him.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s exactly what the Pirates need to hear. Yes, they have a solid closer right now in Gregory Soto. He\u2019s been a wonderful replacement with Dennis Santana<\/a> regressing, but it hasn\u2019t solved the bullpen\u2019s issues. <\/p>\n With Miller on board as the new closer, it gives the Pirates two shutdown arms. With Soto and Miller ready to close games, it brings their mediocre bullpen to suddenly playoff-worthy.<\/p>\n Jul 7, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n What Would Pirates Need to Give Up for Miller?<\/p>\n As Nightengale noted, the Padres gave up an arm and a leg to bring Miller in last year. They parted with their number two prospect at the time, but the sentiment is that there is not as strong a market for the bullpen arm in 2026. <\/p>\n That\u2019s huge news for the Pirates<\/a> as well, who have plenty of young players they consider expendable. <\/p>\n Would a package centered around a pitcher like Antwone Kelly or Thomas Harrington be enough to entice the struggling Padres? For the Pirates,<\/a> it would be a loss to give up either young arm, but the return and hopeful playoff push is beyond worth it. <\/p>\n![\"San](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01kxdja24vphgsmv7gdt.jpg\" "\\"San")
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/assets.minutemediacdn.com\/platform\/google_discover_icon.svg\"){kind=icon}
Add us as a preferred source on Google