At the moment leading the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies are off to a great 30-13 start. Stars like Bryce Harper, Zach Wheeler, and Trea Turner lead the team, which is two names ahead of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East. Even with their early success, a Bleacher Report trade suggestion would bring in another superstar in Mason Miller of the Oakland Athletics.
Regarding possible landing sites for Miller in a trade, Zachary D. Rymer stated, “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.”
Trade Proposal Sends Top Prospects to Oakland
Before the current season, the Phillies’ farm system was ranked number 22. Miller will not be inexpensive to acquire, especially without one of the top farm systems. On his contract, the 25-year-old is still in the pre-arbitration phase. By 2024, he will be earning barely $740,000. Not until 2026 will he be eligible for arbitration, and not until after 2029 will he be a free agent.
“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,” wrote Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
With three of the Phillies’ top five prospects—two of whom are on the MLB Top 100 prospects list—Miller would go to Philadelphia in the deal Rymer suggested. Mick Abel, an outfielder, and Starlyn Caba, a shortstop, would be acquired by the A’s.
Abel ranks as the third-best prospect in the Phillies and the 63rd in MLB. Crawford ranks No. 65 overall and No. 4 inside the organisation. Caba is the fifth-ranked member of the group. Oakland did not get Andrew Painter, the Phillies’ top overall prospect.
“While Andrew Painter heals from Tommy John surgery, it’s difficult to see him heading anywhere, but this deal would give Oakland the Phillies’ second-best pitching prospect and Carl Crawford’s son. Not at all awful,” Rymer said.
Though the Phillies already have a formidable bullpen, Miller would make them the best in Major League Baseball.
Because of the standing of president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies are a team Miller might consider landing with, noted Rymer. He believes like he should be added to the list because he has made some significant moves in the past.
Phillies Bullpen
Rymer stated, “The Phillies don’t have many problems right now, and you could even argue that their bullpen is the least of their worries.”
Right now, José Alvarado is the Phillies closer. Also praising him in the bullpen are Jeff Hoffman, Orion Kerkering, and Matt Strahm.
Rymer said, “Since Kerkering came off the IL on April 14, the four of them have handled 42 innings and allowed only four earned runs.”
Miller would bring a superstar into that mix. Alvarado has 17 2/3 innings at a 3.57 ERA and is eight for eight on save chances.
Miller has shown himself to be among the greatest relievers in Major League Baseball this season. Miller’s ERA in 14 games is 0.98 over 18 1/3 innings pitched. To far, he has a startling 38 strikeouts and is eight for eight in save situations.
Miller has tossed two innings in four of his appearances this season and has not given up a run since his debut. If he were traded, any team would have a weapon.
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