Blue Jays, Yankees Reportedly In Mix For A’s Flamethrower

Update – 11:48 AM: Padres Swing Deal For Mason Miller, JP Sears

Original Story – 11:25 AM: With the trade deadline bearing down, Athletics closer Mason Miller remains one of the most tantalizing names still on the board — and both the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays are in pursuit.

The Athletics have been demanding top-tier young pitching in exchange for Miller, who is under team control through 2029, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

That steep asking price has not deterred interest. The New York Mets have also reportedly checked in on Miller.

Rosenthal notes that the Yankees’ primary focus is “adding pitching,” not subtracting it. Meanwhile, Toronto’s interest reportedly dates back to its efforts to land Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran, and they have since turned attention to Miller.

Miller, a 6-foot-5 right-hander, has been one of the sport’s most electric relievers since taking over the Athletics’ ninth inning last year.

He posted a 2.49 ERA and 28 saves in 2024, earning All-Star honors behind a blistering fastball that averaged 101.1 mph. This season, he has delivered 59 strikeouts in 38 ⅓ innings while posting a 3.76 ERA and the second-highest strikeout rate in baseball.

Toronto, already active this deadline, recently acquired Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians and Seranthony Domínguez from the Baltimore Orioles.

Bieber, a former Cy Young winner, is expected to return soon from Tommy John surgery and gives the Blue Jays a potential frontline starter heading into October. Domínguez, meanwhile, was brought in after a series of bullpen meltdowns.

The Yankees have not been idle either. While their additions have leaned more toward position players, the club’s recent acquisitions of Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario came at the cost of several pitching prospects. That could complicate any offer for Miller, who will not come cheap.

With elite stuff, four years of control and a growing list of suitors, Miller might be the highest-upside arm left on the market.

Whether the Yankees or Blue Jays are willing to meet the Athletics’ demands remains to be seen.