Mason Miller Trade Shakes Up Padres: Full Breakdown and Player Package

By Oliver Wiener August 04, 2025 12:56

The San Diego Padres made a bold statement at the 2025 MLB trade deadline by acquiring All-Star closer Mason Miller and left-handed starter J.P. Sears from the Oakland Athletics in a blockbuster trade that has shaken up both rosters and signaled serious playoff intentions for San Diego. This move adds elite pitching talent to a Padres bullpen already among the best in baseball, while the Athletics receive a prized package of top prospects as they look to rebuild and plan for the future.

Mason Miller, 26, is widely regarded as one of MLB’s most intimidating relievers, known for a blazing fastball averaging 101.1 mph with peaks over 104 mph, paired with a devastating slider that has limited opponents’ slugging percentage against him to a mere .111 this season. Although Miller’s 3.76 ERA in 2025 shows some inconsistency, his raw talent and overpowering stuff made him an All-Star and a key figure in Oakland’s bullpen. Miller's control extends through the 2029 season, making this a long-term acquisition for the Padres .

J.P. Sears, a lefty starter, complements Miller by adding rotation depth. This season, Sears has compiled a 7-9 record with a 4.95 ERA over 22 starts and 95 strikeouts. His presence offers the Padres a versatile arm and flexibility in their starting staff .

To land Miller and Sears, the Padres parted with a substantial package led by shortstop Leodalis “Leo” De Vries, a consensus top prospect ranked among baseball’s elite by MLB Pipeline (#3) and Baseball America (#5). At just 18 years old and with a minor league slash line of .245/.357/.410 in 368 plate appearances, De Vries represents one of the sport's brightest young talents and is expected to rise even higher in prospect rankings as the season progresses. Alongside De Vries, the Athletics received three right-handed pitching prospects: Braden Nett, Henry Baez, and Eduarniel Núñez .

Padres general manager A.J. Preller, known for his aggressive trade philosophy, underscored his desire to capitalize on the team’s current competitive window by acquiring high-impact players despite the steep cost in prospects. Preller’s boldness mirrors previous blockbuster moves, such as the acquisition of Juan Soto in 2022. The Miller deal enhances a Padres bullpen that already boasts three 2025 All-Stars: closer Robert Suárez and setup men Adam and Adrián Morejón. The addition of Miller creates a formidable bullpen group potentially unmatched across MLB .

However, the influx of talent raises questions about the long-term makeup of the Padres pitching staff. Speculation has swirled about possible trades involving Robert Suárez and starting pitcher Dylan Cease to manage payroll and roster balance, though no definitive moves have been announced yet .

The Athletics’ side of the trade clearly accelerates their youth movement. While losing Miller, a proven closer, is significant, acquiring De Vries and the pitching prospects provides a foundation for sustained success aligned with their pending stadium move to Las Vegas in 2028. Oakland’s calculated risk—trading near-term bullpen strength for top-tier future talent signals confidence in these prospects' potential impact.

In summary, the Padres’ acquisition of Mason Miller and J.P. Sears in exchange for Leo De Vries, Braden Nett, Henry Baez, and Eduarniel Núñez represents a seismic trade in the 2025 MLB season. It bolsters a dominant San Diego bullpen with elite velocity and experience, heightening their World Series aspirations. At the same time, it empowers the Athletics’ rebuilding process with top-grade prospects expected to anchor their next competitive window. The trade underscores the contrasting strategies of a win-now contender and a team preparing for long-term growth, with both sides betting on their visions to bring success.