Phillies Get Worse Possible News on Top All-Star Trade Target

Phillies Get Worse Possible News on Top All-Star Trade Target originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

There have been many reports over the past year and a half stating that the Philadelphia Phillies have an interest in Athletics’ star closer Mason Miller. 

Miller, who many believe to be one of the top closers in baseball, hasn't been as dominant as he typically is, with a 4.04 ERA.

His ERA is inflated due to a few bad outings here and there, but he was unhittable for much of last year. 

Outside of a rough May, when he allowed 10 earned runs, Miller has yet to give up more than four earned runs in a month. 

Simply put, he's elite and would be a perfect target for Philadelphia. 

However, according to a recent report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies and other teams around the league will not have an opportunity to trade for him. 

Nightengale reported that the Athletics have told teams to stop calling them and attempting to trade for Miller, as he isn’t available. 

“The Athletics have told teams they’re wasting their time by even calling: They are not trading closer Mason Miller,” he reported.

The Athletics are in a strange position where they aren’t exactly a great team, but with all the young talent the organization has, it wouldn't be too surprising to see them be one of the better in the American League over the next few years. 

Of course, there are questions about that due to their ownership's past actions, but the Athletics have done a great job finding young talent, and they look to have something.

Miller could get them back a massive return, but the chances of any of those players ever being as good as the big right-hander are unlikely.

Related: Phillies Get Good News on Kyle Schwarber Contract Negotiations

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.