The San Diego Padres boast one of the best bullpens in the National League, and the NL West franchise added another dimension to it by adding relief pitcher Mason Miller at last year’s trade deadline in July.
Miller established himself as one of the best closers in the game after his solid 2024 season with the Athletics, which earned him his first All-Star selection. He was moved to the Padres in exchange for Leo De Vries, Braden Nett, Eduarniel Núñez and Henry Baez in a deal that saw JP Sears also move to San Diego.
The 27-year-old All-Star posted a 2.63 ERA with 22 saves and 104 strikeouts across 60 games in 2025. He had a 0.77 ERA over 23.1 innings in 22 games for the Padres in the second half of the 2025 season.
While Miller has emerged as the Padres’ top bullpen arm, San Diego manager Craig Stammen doesn’t want to restrict the flamethrower. In an appearance on the “Foul Territory” podcast, Stammen said:
“I’m not going to put a limit on what he can and can’t do. …. When they say, ‘Hey, I’m all in. This is what I want to do. I know I can help the team win this way. I know I can help myself, my career and my family this way,’ You kind of have to side with the player on that.”
While the Padres have not made any significant additions to the roster in the offseason, the NL West team agreed to multiple deals with arbitration-eligible players this month. Mason Miller is among the Padres players to avoid an arbitration hearing as he signed a deal that will earn him a $4 million salary in 2026.
Padres’ NL Rivals New York Mets Eye All-Star Outfielder With $140 Million Offer
Meanwhile, the Padres’ NL rivals, the New York Mets, have been linked with several players this offseason. The Mets are reportedly pursuing All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to strengthen the outfield this offseason.
According to MLB insider Will Sammon of The Athletic, the NL East franchise is offering a five-year deal worth around $120-140 million for Tucker. However, Sammon reported that the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are also pursuing the four-time All-Star, could be offering a more lucrative deal.
Tucker remains one of the most coveted free agents in the market, along with fellow outfielder Cody Bellinger and All-Star infielder Bo Bichette.
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