Padres’ Mason Miller unfazed by possibility of not closing All-Star Game
San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller has established himself as one of baseball’s elite bullpen arms, but he isn’t concerned about whether he gets the chance to record the final outs in the All-Star Game.
With several teams reportedly interested in acquiring the standout closer, Miller has remained focused on the present. Speaking about the possibility of not pitching the ninth inning in the Midsummer Classic, he made it clear that the decision doesn’t bother him.
According to The Athletic, the All-Star Game’s location played a major role in determining who would handle a potential save opportunity. Reporter Katie Woo noted that the coaching staff leaned toward Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran to give the home crowd a memorable moment.
Miller, who is appearing in his second All-Star Game, understood the reasoning.
“I was expecting him for the ninth,” Miller told Dodgers assistant pitching coach Connor McGuiness. “It doesn’t bother me at all.”
Miller continues to shine despite trade speculation
As the Padres slipped down the standings, speculation surrounding Miller’s future intensified. With San Diego struggling to stay in the playoff race, many around the league believe the club could explore trading its star reliever before the deadline.
The Padres acquired Miller last season in a blockbuster deal with the Athletics, sacrificing highly regarded shortstop prospect Leo De Vries in an aggressive push for a championship. Since then, De Vries has emerged as one of baseball’s top prospects, currently ranked No. 2 overall.
Meanwhile, Miller has delivered another outstanding season, but his opportunities to collect saves have been limited by the Padres’ inconsistent play.
San Diego stumbled through June and has continued to struggle in July, posting a 5-7 record to fall to 48-48. The club now trails the Los Angeles Dodgers by 12.5 games in the National League West, fueling expectations that the front office could capitalize on Miller’s high trade value.
Although it may be difficult to receive a return comparable to what they gave up for him, the Padres are expected to gauge the market and see what contenders are willing to offer.
Miller’s dominance has earned widespread praise from opponents across the league.
“He throws ghostballs,” Reds All-Star infielder Sal Stewart told The San Diego Union-Tribune. “You go up there and kind of are just swinging and hoping it hits your barrel. He’s at another level.”
A strong showing in the All-Star Game—regardless of whether he pitches the ninth inning—would likely enhance Miller’s value even further as trade rumors continue to swirl.
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