The San Diego Padres just haven't been able to get over the hump in the MLB postseason.
That trend continued in the 2025 MLB postseason as San Diego fell in the Wild Card round to the Chicago Cubs. Two of the dominant performers in that round for the Padres were starter Nick Pivetta and reliever Mason Miller. The two may not be able to replicate that success in San Diego next season, though, if the latest reports come to fruition.
According to MLB reporter Jon Heyman, the Padres are actively listening on trade calls surrounding Pivetta and Miller. Heyman has reported that the asking price for either of the two is expectedly high and it'll take quite the haul to secure one of the two. San Diego is looking for starting pitching in return.
Pivetta turned in the best season of his career by far in 2025. He went 13-5 with a career low 2.87 ERA while racking up a career high in innings pitched (181 2/3) and strikeouts (190). Those stats were good enough to earn the veteran right-hander a sixth-place finish in NL Cy Young voting.
Miller was acquired by the Padres prior to the trade deadline, and he proved to be as advertised. In 22 appearances, Miller allowed just two runs on seven hits, while striking out 45 batters. He was even better in the postseason, as he struck out eight of the nine batters he faced.
It is a bit puzzling as to why a team such as San Diego that is so close to a deep postseason run would be willing to trade two of its top players. There's one thing that we know, though, and that is AJ Preller will certainly get his money's worth if he does decide to deal one of the two stars.
More MLB: A.J. Preller is happy to declare Fernando Tatis Jr. As 'untouchable' during offseason