SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The San Diego Padres swung a jaw-dropping deal Thursday, landing Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller and starter JP Sears in a trade that reshapes their roster for a postseason push. The Padres sent top prospect Leo De Vries, ranked No. 3 overall by MLB Pipeline, along with pitchers Braden Nett, Henry Baez, and Eduarniel Nunez to Oakland in the blockbuster exchange.
Miller, a 26-year-old flamethrower, brings a 101.1 mph fastball to San Diego’s already elite bullpen. He notched 20 saves this season with a 3.76 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 38⅓ innings. His arrival strengthens a relief corps featuring All-Stars Robert Suarez, Jason Adam, and Adrian Morejon, giving manager Mike Shildt a dominant late-game arsenal. The Padres, holding a 60-49 record and the No. 3 National League wild card spot, aim to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.
Sears, a 29-year-old left-hander, adds depth to San Diego’s rotation. He posted a 4.95 ERA in 22 starts this season but offers control through 2028, providing flexibility as the Padres navigate injuries to starters like Yu Darvish and Michael King. The trade also fuels speculation that San Diego may move starter Dylan Cease or closer Suarez, both potential free agents, to address offensive needs.
The cost for Miller and Sears was steep. De Vries, an 18-year-old shortstop, dazzled at High-A with a .245 average, eight homers, and 46 RBIs in 82 games. Scouts project him as a future star with power and defensive prowess. Nett, a 23-year-old right-hander, delivered a 3.39 ERA in Double-A, while Baez, 22, shone with a 1.96 ERA in 20 starts. Nunez, 26, debuted in the majors this year, allowing two runs in 4⅔ innings.
Padres general manager A.J. Preller, known for bold deadline moves, stunned the baseball world again. Fans on social media buzzed with mixed reactions. Some hailed Preller’s aggressive approach, praising Miller’s potential as a closer or future starter, given his 2023 rotation experience. Others questioned trading De Vries for a reliever when the team lacks offensive firepower.
The trade sparked debate about San Diego’s strategy. With one of baseball’s best bullpens, the Padres prioritized pitching over a bat, though reports suggest they continue pursuing outfielders like Steven Kwan or Jarren Duran. Miller’s four years of team control make him a long-term asset, but the loss of De Vries, a potential cornerstone, underscores the gamble.
As the trade deadline loomed, the Padres signaled they aren’t done. Preller’s history of splashy deals keeps rivals guessing, with Cease and Suarez drawing interest from teams like the Astros and Yankees. For now, Miller’s arrival electrifies Petco Park, where fans await his high-octane debut in a Padres uniform.
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