The Padres made a bold move at the trade deadline, executing five trades involving 22 players to acquire the Athletics' closer, Mason Miller.

Today, he completed a last-minute overhaul involving five deals with 22 players, the most shocking of which was acquiring top closer Mason Miller from the Athletics—at the cost of sending MLB's third-ranked prospect, Leo De Vries, along with 10 other prospects.

Core framework of the trades
Padres received: Right-handed pitcher Mason Miller, left-handed pitcher JP Sears.
Athletics received: Shortstop Leo De Vries (ranked first in Padres' farm system/third overall in MLB), right-handed pitcher Braden Nett (ranked third), right-handed pitcher Henry Baez (ranked thirteenth), and right-handed pitcher Eduarniel Núñez (ranked seventeenth).

This move not only addresses roster deficiencies but also significantly strengthens their biggest asset at a steep price. Miller's addition enhances the MLB's best bullpen this season (with a league-leading ERA of 2.97 in the first four months, and the first team ever with three relievers selected as All-Stars). General Manager Mike Shildt referred to the existing four-man bullpen as the "Four Horsemen," with Miller set to become the "Fifth Horseman."

In 38 appearances this season, All-Star Miller has achieved 20 saves with a 3.76 ERA, totaling 38.1 innings pitched with 59 strikeouts and 18 walks, and he is under contract control until 2029. His role raises speculation: the Padres previously successfully transitioned Seth Lugo and Michael King into starting pitchers, while Miller debuted as a starter in early 2023.

Sears adds depth to the rotation (with a career ERA of 4.48), and he is under contract control until 2028, alleviating concerns about King and Dylan Cease becoming free agents after this season. Interestingly, Cease, who was rumored to be traded, ultimately remained with the team—sources indicate that the Padres consistently demanded a high price, despite his disappointing 4.79 ERA this season.

The 18-year-old De Vries, the top international prospect for 2024, is assessed to have "future MLB superstar" potential; Nett is the fastest-rising prospect in the system, and both Baez and Núñez also possess notable talent.

“We never shy away from trading for major league potential,” Preller's statement after last year's deadline echoes today, “as long as it enhances both our current and future competitiveness over the next three to five years, any cost is acceptable.”