After clinching the American League East in 2023 with an impressive 101 wins, the Baltimore Orioles seem to be continuing their upward trajectory in 2024. Currently, they hold a 24-12 record as of May, leading the division by a slim margin of 0.5 games over the New York Yankees. There’s speculation whether Baltimore might strengthen their bullpen before the trade deadline by making a substantial move for Oakland Athletics’ closer, Mason Miller.
Despite the Oakland A’s starting the 2024 season better than anticipated with an 18-21 record, trailing the Texas Rangers by only four games in the AL West, they remain open to trade discussions, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
Miller, with an impressive 1.10 ERA and a remarkable 55.0% strikeout rate, supported by his 101.2 mph fastball over 16.1 innings, is drawing attention. At just $740,000 for the 2024 season and not eligible for arbitration until 2026, the Athletics will demand a high price for him.
Rosenthal notes that no team has come close to meeting the A’s asking price, considering Miller as not only their best young player but their overall top performer. Acquiring him would likely require offering a player of similar caliber or a significant package of promising prospects who could contribute to Oakland’s future.
Rosenthal suggests hypothetical scenarios for potential trades, one involving the Orioles, where infielder Coby Mayo and outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. are mentioned. Both are considered top prospects within the Orioles’ organization in 2024, as per MLB.com.
Miller Would Transform the Orioles’ Bullpen
It likely doesn’t help that his average fastball velocity has dropped a bit. In 2023, according to FanGraphs, it sat at 96 mph, but currently, it’s at 94.4 mph since joining the Orioles.
The Orioles currently boast a bullpen ERA of 3.51, as per FanGraphs, ranking 11th in baseball. However, for a competitive team like the Orioles, inconsistency in locking down the ninth inning could pose significant issues come postseason time.
Acquiring Miller would bolster what has been a generally reliable pitching staff, fortifying the team for a potential deep playoff run. Baltimore’s offseason acquisition of 35-year-old veteran Craig Kimbrel for a one-year, $13 million deal has faced hurdles.
Despite Kimbrel’s strikeout rate standing at 35.6% over 13.1 innings, higher than his 2023 rate with the Philadelphia Phillies (33.8% over 69 innings), his walk rate has surged from 10.1% to 15.3%, and his ERA has risen from 3.26 to 4.73.
This Would Also Be Huge for Baltimore’s Bullpen Beyond 2024 Season
Should the Orioles manage to persuade Oakland to part ways with Miller and are willing to sacrifice prospects to seal the deal, their bullpen could emerge as one of baseball’s strongest late-inning relief units come 2025 and beyond.
As noted earlier, Miller won’t be eligible for arbitration until 2026, and the 25-year-old isn’t set to become a free agent until 2030. Additionally, the Orioles anticipate the return of injured reliever Felix Bautista in 2025 following his recent Tommy John surgery and a right elbow debridement/ulnar nerve transposition procedure.
Bautista, aged 28, showcased dominance in 2023 before landing on the injured list. With a strikeout rate of 46.4% and 33 saves alongside a 1.48 ERA, he contributed significantly with 2.8 fWAR over 61 innings pitched.
Bautista won’t qualify for arbitration until 2026 and won’t reach free agency until 2028. Therefore, if Miller joins Baltimore and both remain healthy, this acquisition could have a substantial impact extending well beyond the 2024 season.
