At the MLB trade deadline, the San Diego Padres pulled off a stunning trade, landing Mason Miller from the Athletics to bolster their already incredible bullpen.
With Robert Suarez remaining in the closer role, Miller took on a new job coming out of the bullpen. Instead of shutting things down in the ninth inning, Miller would come out in the eighth or earlier.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic revealed that this change could have financial impacts for Miller when he goes to arbitration. While there's such a concern, Miller isn't worried, and there's precedent for said belief.
Miller Could Earn Less, Though It's Unlikely
If the Padres weren't as highly respected an organization, the team might play hardball with Miller in the offseason as he heads to arbitration. Instead of paying his due, the Padres could likely pay him less based on his on-field contributions.
"The saves statistic, while perhaps the game's least important, is still highly valued in arbitration." Rosenthal writes. "Postseason performance, however, is also part of the criteria."
If the Padres did make things difficult for Miller in the offseason, then his lack of saves, due to his role as a set-up man for Suarez, could lower his salary for 2026. But even if the Padres did so, with them set to make the postseason, if Miller performs well, he could still earn a solid payday in his arbitration years.
Fortunately for Miller and other Padres players, A.J. Preller doesn't let such negotiations take place. Instead, he signs these players ahead of time, not letting them go to arbitration. Since 2014, when Preller took over, San Diego hasn't gone to arbitration.
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With someone as talented and important as Miller, the Padres won't short-change him in the offseason when inking his contract during his arbitration years. He's a core piece of the team, and they'll likely accommodate him within reason.
Miller, in his nine games pitched with the Padres, has a 2.00 ERA with one save and four holds. He has 16 strikeouts and four walks in nine innings pitched, and the Padres have gone 7-2 in games he's pitched.
The 27-year-old is a huge part of the Padres' plans, and they won't pay him less, despite Rosenthal pointing out that in other situations, Miller might face some challenges when getting his new contracts during arbitration.
Preller and the Padres are invested in Miller and will likely pay him handsomely. He's been worth it so far, and if he can help the club make a deep postseason run, there's no reason not to sign him to a high contract offer.
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