Mason Miller trade buzz tests how serious the Padres are about contending in 2026

The Padres officially lost Robert Suarez, as the 34-year-old closer signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Atlanta Braves on December 11.

Most fans would be upset if their flame-throwing, high-leverage relief pitcher were to leave in free agency. But that is not the case for the Padres, as they have their bullpen set for the next three to four years.

Padres fielding Mason Miller inquiries sets up a classic Preller moment

The Padres have Adrian Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada, Jason Adam, and, of course, Mason Miller. Not to forget about the emerging talent they have in David Morgan and Bradgley Rodríguez. The bullpen is set for the long term, and the team isn’t worried about losing Suarez.

However, recent reports have indicated that the team is “listening in” on offers for Mason Miller, which completely contradicts the reason why they traded for him in the first place. 

Acquired ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, the Padres gave up a king’s ransom to land a top-tier closer, trading away four prospects, including Leo De Vries, who is the No. 3-ranked prospect in MLB. 

Most fans believe the trade was to offset Suarez’s inevitable departure, as San Diego needed to find a replacement that was under team control.

This reasoning alone makes it even more foolish to move on from him after not even half a season, as the team has him through 2029.

In the 22 appearances he saw with the Padres, Miller defined what it meant to be a lights-out reliever. Over the course of 23.1 innings pitched, he posted a 0.77 ERA with 45 strikeouts, mowing down opposing hitters.

In all likelihood, Miller will remain in San Diego, but these rumors are something to consider when you look at how Preller manages the roster. After all, he was also taking offers for Nick Pivetta, the only starter from last season under contract.

It will be interesting to see how these next couple of weeks pan out.