The Philadelphia Phillies are off to a fantastic 30-13 start and presently lead the National League. The team is two names ahead of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East, led by Bryce Harper, Zach Wheeler, and Trea Turner. Despite their early success, Bleacher Report’s trade proposal would include another superstar: Mason Miller of the Oakland Athletics.
“The first thing to know about Miller is that, at least on a pitch-to-pitch basis, he’s the top hurler in Major League Baseball right now,” wrote Zachary D. Rymer in a May 15 report about potential trade destinations for Miller.
A Trade Proposal Brings Top Prospects to Oakland
Prior to the start of the season, the Phillies farm system was ranked 22nd. Acquiring Miller will be expensive, especially without one of the strongest farm systems. The 25-year-old is currently in the pre-arbitration phase of his contract. He will earn only $740,000 in 2024. He won’t be arbitration eligible until 2026, and he won’t be a free agent until after 2029.
“To acquire him, a team likely would need to give up a young player of comparable ability, or a substantial package of multiple youngsters who could be part of the A’s future,” Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic said.
Rymer offered a trade that would send Miller to Philadelphia in return for three of the Phillies’ top five prospects, two of which are on the MLB Top 100 prospect list. The Athletics would acquire pitcher Mick Abel, outfielder Justin Crawford, and shortstop Starlyn Caba.
Abel is the Phillies’ No. 3 prospect and the MLB’s No. 63 prospect. Crawford is ranked No. 4 in the organization and 65 overall. Caba is ranked fifth in the organization. Andrew Painter, the Phillies’ top overall prospect, will not be traded to Oakland under the plan.
“It’s difficult to imagine Andrew Painter leaving while recovering from Tommy John surgery, but this transaction would give Oakland the Phillies’ second-best pitching prospect and Carl Crawford’s son. Rymer wrote, “Not bad at all.”
The Phillies’ bullpen is already excellent, but adding Miller would give them a shot to be the best in baseball.
“The Phillies are worth thinking about as a landing spot for Miller because of president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski’s reputation,” Rymer stated. “He’s done some huge trades in the past, and it feels like he’s overdue to add to the list.”
Phillies’ Bullpen
“The Phillies don’t have many problems right now, and you could even argue that their bullpen is the least of their worries,” Rymer said.
The Phillies’ current closer is José Alvarado. In addition to him, Jeff Hoffman, Orion Kerkering, and Matt Strahm round out the bullpen.
“Since Kerkering came off the IL on April 14, the four of them have handled 42 innings and allowed only four earned runs,” Rymer stated.
Adding Miller to that list would bring a superstar closer to the fold. Alvarado is eight for eight in save opportunities, with a 3.57 ERA in 17 2/3 innings.
Miller has emerged as one of MLB’s greatest relievers this season. Miller’s ERA is 0.98 in 18 1/3 innings over 14 games. So far, he has gone eight for eight in save situations, striking out 38.
Miller has not given up a run since his first outing of the season and has tossed two innings in four appearances this season. He would be a weap.
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