Mets Focus on Acquiring Reliever Mason Miller

Following the loss of Edwin Diaz, the Mets are looking for a prominent closer.

David Stearns and the team’s management have reached out regarding Padres pitcher Mason Miller, as reported by Jon Heyman. It seems the Mets are among many teams interested in potentially trading for Miller.

Heyman noted that the Padres have a strong attachment to Miller and would require a significant offer to consider moving him.

Additionally, while Jonah Tong is a player of great interest in trade discussions, the Mets hold him in high regard but are still open to talks. It’s worth mentioning that Nolan McLean is seen as untouchable, and Carson Benge might be close to that status as well.

San Diego brought Miller on board along with left-handed pitcher JP Sears during last season’s trade deadline in exchange for four prospects, including highly regarded shortstop Leo De Vries.

Before this major move, the Mets had engaged in serious talks with the Athletics about bringing Miller to New York but ultimately decided to trade Tyler Rodgers and Ryan Helsley for Gregory Soto instead.

With Diaz now with the Dodgers and both Rodgers and Helsley moving to the AL East, the Mets find themselves in need of more relief options.

Earlier in the month, they secured former Yankee Devin Williams, who can act as either a solid setup man or closer, signing him to a three-year, $51 million deal to reinforce their struggling bullpen.

However, Miller stands out as a premier option.

With a fastball exceeding 160 mph, Miller has established himself as one of the top relievers since making his debut with the Athletics in 2024. During that period, he notched the highest strikeout rate at 43.1 percent and held the 15th lowest earned run average at 2.56, among all relievers with at least 100 innings pitched.

Miller remains under team control until 2029, making him a strategic investment for any team willing to acquire him.